Filing a Security Deposit Lawsuit Against the Landlord

State-by-state tenant guides to security deposit lawsuits in small claims court.

Protect Your Security Deposit When You Move In

Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.

Get Your Security Deposit Back

Know your rights when it comes to getting your deposit back in full and on time.

Chart: Deadline for Returning Security Deposits, State-by-State

State deadlines for itemizing and returning tenants' security deposits.

Deducting Cleaning and Repairs Costs From a Security Deposit

Landlords are permitted to deduct from security deposits for damage or excessive filth, but not for ordinary wear and tear.

How Your Landlord's Bankruptcy or Property Sale Affects Your Deposit

Here's what happens to your deposit if your landlord goes bankrupt or sells your rental property

How to Negotiate or Mediate a Landlord-Tenant Dispute

Why negotiation and mediation are good ways to resolve landlord-tenant disputes

Sample Demand Letter for Return of Security Deposit

How a demand letter can help get your security deposit back

Security Deposit Limits and Uses

State rules on security deposit uses and dollar limits

Chart: Security Deposit Limits, State by State

Learn how much security deposit a landlord can charge in your state.

Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines in Your State

Learn about your state's laws.

Last Month's Rent

Don't assume that the deposit will cover the last month's rent unless the landlord agrees.

Landlord-Tenant Statutes, State-by-State

To help you research your state laws, here's a listing of landlord-tenant codes for every state.

State Security Deposit Statutes

Here are the statutes that govern a landlord’s collection and return of security deposits.