Security Deposits
A security deposit for a rental protects the landlord against potential damages or, in some cases, unpaid rent. The return of security deposits, and deductions from security deposits, are the main sources of disputes between landlords and tenants.
Security deposit laws vary from state to state. Each jurisdiction has specific rules regarding security deposits, including maximum allowable amounts, proper handling of funds, and timelines for return. For example, in Alabama, landlords are limited to charging a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent. But this deposit doesn't include pet deposits, deposits to cover the costs of undoing a tenant's alterations, or deposits to cover tenant activities that pose increased liability risks. Colorado, on the other hand, doesn't limit how much landlords can charge for a security deposit.
The deadline to return a security deposit also differs from state to state. For instance, Alabama law requires landlords to return deposits within 60 days after the lease ends. Oregon landlords have 31 days after the tenant delivers possession to return the deposit and provide an accounting of any amount applied towards rent or damages.
Learn the laws covering security deposit disputes in selected states below.
Security Deposit Disputes in Your State
Learn the laws covering security deposit disputes in selected states below.
Record the condition of the property to safeguard your security deposit.
Steps to take before and after you move out to ensure your landlord returns your security deposit.
State deadlines for itemizing and returning tenants' security deposits.
Landlords can't deduct the costs of repairing "ordinary wear and tear" from a security deposit. But what qualifies as ordinary wear and tear?
Negotiation and mediation can help you avoid the expense and hassle of a court dispute.
What to include in a demand letter when your landlord hasn't returned your security deposit.
State rules on security deposit uses and dollar limits
A state-by-state breakdown of each state's security deposit limits.
Learn about your state's laws.
Here’s an overview of the steps involved with filing a security deposit lawsuit in California.
This is the chart you need if you're trying to find your state's landlord-tenant laws.
Here are the statutes that govern a landlord’s collection and return of security deposits.
Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Online Form
Landlord-Tenant Checklist
Online Form
Tenant's Notice of Intent to Move Out
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
More Legal Issues
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Corporations Car Accidents Criminal Law Debt Management Disability Law Divorce & Family Law
Learn About Our Team
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Need a Lawyer? We Can Help
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Describe Your Case
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
Get Connected
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Hire an Attorney
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
Nolo Legal Dictionary
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Are You an Attorney?
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you
Copyright ©2025 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices