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What Is the Security Deposit Return Timeline in Each State?
Dealing with security deposits is a common source of stress for landlords and tenants. A common question for landlords is, how long do I have to return the security deposit after move-out?
The security deposit return timeline varies by state. Missing the deadline can be costly for landlords, resulting in forfeiting the right to withhold the deposit and exposure to fines and penalties.
This guide explains how the security deposit return timeline works and gives some best practices for handling security deposits.
Looking for a landlord form to document the receipt or return of your security deposit? Visit ezLandlordForms to customize and download the property management forms you need.
What Is a Security Deposit Return Timeline
The security deposit return timeline is the amount of time landlords have after a tenant moves out to return the tenant’s security deposit.
The standard process for returning the security deposit is:
- Tenant moves out and surrenders possession of the rental unit.
- Landlord inspects the property and documents any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Landlord gets estimates for repairs and/or conducts repairs and documents expenses.
- The landlord returns the tenant’s security deposit, along with a security deposit accounting statement and a list of itemized deductions.
Landlords must complete this process within the state-mandated time period, which is usually between 15 and 45 days.
Why the Security Deposit Return Timeline Varies by State
The security deposit return timeline varies by state because it is controlled by the landlord-tenant laws of the state where the rental unit is located. Most landlord-tenant laws, including security deposit regulations, are controlled by state laws.
This means that each state sets its own rules for handling the security deposit, including security deposit limits, rules for holding the deposit, and guidelines for returning the deposit.
Security Deposit Return Timeline by State
Because each state has its own security deposit regulations, landlords need to be familiar with all security deposit laws for their rental units. Below is a snapshot of the security deposit return timeline for each state. However, property owners should review all state security deposit regulations to ensure landlord compliance.
| State | Security Deposit Return Timeline |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 days |
| Alaska | 14 days if no deductions; 30 days if deductions |
| Arizona | 14 business days |
| Arkansas | 60 days |
| California | 21 days |
| Colorado | 30 days or up to 60 days if specified in the lease |
| Connecticut | 21 days or 15 days after receiving the forwarding address |
| Delaware | 20 days |
| Florida | 15 days if no deductions; 30 days if deductions |
| Georgia | 30 days |
| Hawaii | 14 days |
| Idaho | 21 days or up to 30 days if stated in the lease |
| Illinois | Itemized deductions within 30 days; return within 45 days |
| Indiana | 45 days |
| Iowa | 30 days |
| Kansas | 30 days or within 14 days of determining cost of repairs |
| Kentucky | 30 days |
| Louisiana | 30 days |
| Maine | 30 days |
| Maryland | 45 days |
| Massachusetts | 30 days |
| Michigan | 30 days |
| Minnesota | 21 days |
| Mississippi | 45 days |
| Missouri | 30 days |
| Montana | 10 days if no deductions; 30 days if deductions |
| Nebraska | 14 days |
| Nevada | 30 days |
| New Hampshire | 30 days |
| New Jersey | 30 days |
| New Mexico | 30 days |
| New York | 14 days |
| North Carolina | 30 days, with interim accounting allowed |
| North Dakota | 30 days |
| Ohio | 30 days |
| Oklahoma | 45 days after move-out and written demand |
| Oregon | 31 days |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days |
| Rhode Island | 20 days |
| South Carolina | 30 days |
| South Dakota | 14 days, with final accounting completed within 45 days |
| Tennessee | 30 days |
| Texas | 30 days |
| Utah | 30 days |
| Vermont | 14 days |
| Virginia | 45 days |
| Washington | 30 days |
| West Virginia | The lesser of 60 days from the end of tenancy or 45 days from a new tenant moving in |
| Wisconsin | 21 days |
| Wyoming | 30 days or within 15 days of receiving the forwarding address, whichever is later |
What Can Delay a Security Deposit Return?
It’s not always easy for landlords to return the deposit within the allocated time period. Some factors that slow down the security deposit return include:
- Working with contractors to get estimates for repairs
- Coordinating with service providers to complete repairs
- Outstanding utility bills or other rental expenses
- No forwarding address for tenants
- Major damage needing complex invoices and estimates
The best way for landlords to avoid delays and ensure timely return of the security deposit is to:
- Conduct a prompt move-out inspection.
- Get a forwarding address for tenants before move-out.
- Get repair estimates as soon as damage is identified.
- Know the security deposit return deadline before starting the move-out process.
What Happens if a Security Deposit Is Returned Late?
Landlords can face severe consequences if they don’t return the security deposit within the required time period. Failure to comply with state security deposit return laws can result in:
- Losing the right to keep any portion of the security deposit
- Fines and penalties of two or three times the security deposit amount
- Assessment of attorney fees, damages, and court costs
Get the Security Deposit Forms You Need
Landlords need to understand the security deposit return timelines for all of their rental units. The rules vary from state to state, and landlords need to comply with applicable state laws to avoid disputes, penalties, and legal claims.
Make the move-out process go smoothly by:
- Knowing your security deposit laws.
- Documenting property condition at move-in and move-out.
- Timely returning the deposit and accounting statement.
ezLandlordForms makes it easy to stay compliant. Create a free account today to download security deposit receipts, property condition checklists, and security deposit accounting statements.
Emily Koelsch, ezLandlordForms Contributing Writer
Emily Koelsch is a freelance writer and blogger, who primarily writes about business, real estate, and technology.
