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

Don't let your landlord stiff you -- know the law.

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

How to Sue Your Landlord

Get an overview about whether suing your landlord makes sense in your case.

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.

Are You Entitled to Interest on Your Deposit?

Not all states require landlords to pay interest on deposits

Last Month's Rent

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

What Is a Security Deposit?

Learn the basics of a security deposit, the purpose it serves before tenant moves in, and if there are any state laws regarding security deposits protecting landlords and tenants.

Can My Ex-Landlord Bill Me Months Later for Supposed Damages?

I moved out of an apartment I had rented for two years. I got my security deposit back within a couple of weeks, but four months later, I received a bill for $450. The landlords claimed they had to replace the carpet because it had cigarette burns in it. I know that I did not burn the carpet. What can I do?

Can the Landlord Take Money out of My Deposit Because the Carpet Is Worn?

My landlord is withholding my security  deposit because he says we ruined the carpet. The carpet is a bit dirty and worn in places, but it was not in great shape when we moved in. Does this fall under "ordinary wear and tear"?

The Landlord Left Town with My Security Deposit -- Now What?

Three months ago, I moved out of an apartment -- with one month's notice -- and now the landlord will not refund the deposit, stating that since we didn't move into another apartment he owns, he lost a month in rent. However, we told him that we were not moving into the apartment he offered because we could not afford it. Before we moved out, I did a walk-through with his cousin (because the landlord moved to Florida) who confirmed that the place was in good repair and stated that the landlord would send a check promptly. Now the landlord doesn't return our phone calls and has changed his number. What can we do?

Can I Find out If My Landlord Is a Frequent Visitor to Small Claims Court?

My landlord refuses to return my security deposit so I'm suing her in small claims court. Can I find out if she has had other similar cases filed against her? If she makes a habit of withholding her tenants' deposits, I will be less inclined to settle and more inclined to see if a judge will find for punitive damages.

Must I Leave My Security Deposit with My College Apartment-Mates?

I share an apartment with three other students. I'm graduating, but the others are staying on a year. My problem is with the security deposit. We each paid $400 (a month's rent). The new roommate won't buy me out -- he's afraid of being charged for old damage. The landlord won't do an inspection with only me moving. Am I stuck playing wait and see?

Landlord-Tenant Statutes, State-by-State

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