Handling Security Deposits
Landlords must collect, hold, use, and return security deposits in a manner that complies with state law and the terms of their lease or rental agreement.
Security Deposits Limits and Laws By State
Security Deposits Limits and Laws By State
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Chart: Security Deposit Limits, State-by-State
Learn how much security deposit a landlord can charge in your state.
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Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines in Your State
Learn about your state's laws.
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State Security Deposit Statutes
Here are the statutes that govern a landlord’s collection and return of security deposits.
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Deducting Cleaning and Repair Costs From a Security Deposit
Landlords can't deduct the costs of repairing "ordinary wear and tear" from a security deposit. But what qualifies as ordinary wear and tear?
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Security Deposit Limits and Uses
State rules on security deposit uses and dollar limits
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Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In
Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.
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Security Deposit Cases in Small Claims Court
Disagreements about whether a landlord properly withheld all or part of a tenant's security deposit account for a large percentage of the landlord-tenant disputes that end up in small claims court. Problems involving security deposits often arise like this: The tenant moves out, making what the tenant
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How Should a Landlord Prepare For Court?
A tenant has sued you in small claims court. What should landlords expect when they're sued? And how can they prepare for court?
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