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
-
State Laws on Security Deposit Limits
A state-by-state breakdown of each state's security deposit limits.
-
Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines in Your State
Learn about your state's laws.
-
State Security Deposit Statutes
Here are the statutes that govern a landlord’s collection and return of security deposits.
More
![]()
See More Collecting and Returning Security Deposits Articles![]()
-
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?
-
Security Deposit Limits and Uses
State rules on security deposit uses and dollar limits
-
Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In
Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.
More
![]()
See More Security Deposit Disputes Articles![]()
-
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
-
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?
More Legal Topics
Get Professional Help
Talk to a Landlord-Tenant attorney.
How It Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you