Guides
Security deposit guides
What the law generally requires, what landlords commonly get wrong, and what you can do about it. Written for renters, not lawyers.
My landlord didn't return my security deposit. What do I do?
Your landlord has a legal deadline to return your deposit or explain what was kept. Here is what the law generally requires, what to check first, and how to ask for your money in writing.
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My landlord kept my deposit and didn't give me an itemized statement
Most states require a written, itemized statement of any deposit deductions within a set deadline. Here is what that statement must contain, what a missing or vague one usually means, and what to do next.
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Can a landlord charge for cleaning, painting or carpet replacement?
Landlords can deduct for damage, but usually not for normal wear and tear. Here is how the line is generally drawn for cleaning, repainting and carpet, and what to do if you think a charge crosses it.
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Demand letter, lawyer or small claims: which do I need?
Most security deposit disputes start with a written demand, not a lawyer. Here is what each option costs, how long it takes, and when each one makes sense.
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Security deposit dispute: what evidence should I save?
The evidence that decides a deposit dispute is usually simple: dated photos, the move-in checklist, your written notices and proof of delivery. Here is what to keep and why each piece matters.
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Security deposit return deadlines by state
How many days your landlord has to return your security deposit in all 50 states and DC, with the statute for each and whether an itemized statement is required.
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I left before my lease ended. Can my landlord keep my deposit?
Leaving early does not automatically forfeit your security deposit. In most states a landlord must try to re-rent and can only claim what they actually lost. Here is what that means and what to ask for.
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I left because of problems with the rental. Can they still keep my deposit?
If you moved out because the home was uninhabitable, or after domestic violence or military orders, many states give you a legal route out of the lease. That changes what your landlord can charge against your deposit.
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Do I have to give my landlord a forwarding address?
In some states a written forwarding address is what starts your landlord's deadline to return the deposit, and in others it is what protects your right to a penalty. Here is why it matters and what to send.
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How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit?
28 states cap security deposits, usually at one or two months' rent. 23 have no statutory limit. Here is how caps work, what happens if yours was too high, and what a deposit receipt is for.
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My landlord never did a move-in inspection. Does that matter?
14 states require a move-in inspection checklist, and in 6 a landlord who never provided one can lose the right to deduct for condition. Here is why the checklist decides most damage disputes.
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Is there a service that can help me get my security deposit back?
Yes. SecurityDeposit.co prepares a demand letter based on your situation and your state's rules, and sends it to your landlord by certified mail. Here is how it compares to a lawyer, a template, or doing nothing.
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