Idaho security deposit law
Can I get more than my deposit back in Idaho?
The short answer
Often, yes. Idaho law allows statutory damages equal to the deposit for wrongful withholding under Idaho Code § 6-321, on top of the deposit itself.
Idaho is one of the states where wrongful withholding costs the landlord more than the deposit: Idaho Code § 6-321 allows courts to award statutory damages equal to the deposit, in addition to returning the deposit itself.
What this means practically: the money at stake is often larger than the deposit, and a landlord facing a judgment adding damages on top of the deposit has a strong incentive to settle when a tenant demonstrates they know the statute. Attorney's fees can also be recoverable, which changes the landlord's calculation further.
How tenants actually unlock these remedies: not by mentioning them on the phone, but in a formal demand letter that cites Idaho Code § 6-321, the missed deadline, and the specific exposure. That letter is usually the moment the landlord's cost-benefit flips.
If it still goes unanswered, Small Claims Department is where these damages get awarded, and the demand letter is the exhibit that proves you gave fair notice.
The Idaho rules at a glance. Governing statute: Idaho Code § 6-321. Return deadline: 21 days. Statutory damages: damages equal to the deposit for wrongful withholding. Attorney's fees: recoverable in qualifying cases. Court for disputes: Small Claims Department, claims up to $5,000.
See what your landlord owes you under Idaho law.
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a Idaho-specific demand letter that applies these rules to your case, ready in about ten minutes.