2026 Data Report

Move-In Deposit Limits by State

The most a landlord may collect as a security deposit at move-in, and the deadline for returning it, by state. Legal limits only: this table does not estimate rent, fees or a move-in total, which depend on your lease.

50 States Last reviewed: 2026-09-27 Partial confidence — verify locally
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State-by-state table

State Deposit Limit (summary) Return Deadline Interest Required Details and Statute
Alabama 1 month's rent 60 days No Max one month's rent, not counting separate deposits for pets, alterations to the premises or added liability risks. Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord gets possession back, the landlord must mail the refund or an itemized list of deductions, or owe double the deposit (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201).
Alaska 2 months' rent 14 days; a second deadline applies to deductions (see details) No Max 2 months' rent, prepaid rent included, except where rent is over $2,000 a month; a separate pet deposit of up to one month is also allowed. The refund and itemized notice are due within 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned if proper notice of termination was given, or within 30 days if it was not or there is a deduction for damage. Willful noncompliance can cost twice the amount withheld (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070).
Arizona 1.5 months' rent 14 business days No Max 1.5 months' rent for all refundable security, prepaid rent included. After the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for the deposit, the landlord has 14 business days (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded) to send the itemized list of deductions and any refund. The date shown skips weekends only, so add a day for each Arizona legal holiday in the period. Wrongful withholding can cost twice the amount withheld (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321).
Arkansas 2 months' rent 60 days Not confirmed by LeaseCraft For landlords the law covers (those renting six or more dwellings), max 2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned, with a written itemized list of any charges withheld, within 60 days after the tenant moves out. Whether interest is owed could not be confirmed from official text (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-303 to -305, as summarised by the Arkansas Attorney General).
California 1 month's rent 21 days No Max 1 month's rent (2 months only for a natural-person landlord owning no more than two rental properties with four units total, never from a service member). Must return within 21 days with itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5.
Colorado 2 months' rent 30 days No Max 2 months' rent (from January 1, 2027 not for post-closing occupancy agreements, SB 26-054). Since January 1, 2026 (HB 25-1249) the landlord must return the deposit, or send a written statement of the exact reasons for any deduction with the balance, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; the lease may extend this to no more than 60 days. Wrongful withholding can cost treble damages (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103).
Connecticut 2 months' rent 21 days Yes Max 2 months' rent (1 month if the tenant is 62 or older). The deposit is held in escrow and earns interest, paid every year. It must be returned, with an itemized list of any damage deductions, within 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant's written forwarding address if that is later (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21).
Delaware 1 month's rent 20 days No Max 1 month's rent for a lease of a year or more; no limit for a furnished unit or during the first year of a month-to-month tenancy. A separate pet deposit of up to 1 month is also allowed. Within 20 days after the lease ends the landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of damages with repair estimates and the balance; otherwise the tenant is treated as owing nothing for damage, and wrongful retention can cost double (25 Del. C. § 5514).
Florida No limit 15 days (no claim); claim notice within 30 days No No limit. 15 days to return the deposit if no claim is made; a claim needs written notice within 30 days, and the tenant has 15 days to object (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)). Both deadlines run from the termination of the rental agreement (§ 83.49(3)(a)); a date shown here is counted from the move-out date you entered.
Georgia 2 months' rent 30 days Not confirmed by LeaseCraft Max 2 months' rent for leases signed or renewed on or after July 1, 2024 (earlier leases had no statewide limit). Within 30 days after the landlord obtains possession (the lease has ended and the unit is vacated, or it is surrendered and accepted), the landlord must return the deposit or send a written statement of the exact reasons for any amount kept, with the balance; missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold (O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-30.1, 44-7-33, 44-7-34).
Hawaii 1 month's rent 14 days No Max 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one more month where a pet is allowed. Within 14 days after the rental agreement ends the landlord must return the deposit or send written notice of deductions with evidence such as estimates, invoices or receipts, or lose the right to keep any of it (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).
Idaho No limit 21 days No No statewide deposit limit. The refund is due within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the unit, or within the period the lease sets, which cannot exceed 30 days; any amount kept needs a signed itemized statement (Idaho Code § 6-321).
Illinois No limit 45 days; a second deadline applies to deductions (see details) See details No statewide deposit limit. To keep any of the deposit for damage, the landlord must send an itemized statement with paid receipts within 30 days after the tenant moves out (or after the right of possession ends, if later); otherwise the full deposit is due within 45 days (765 ILCS 710/1). Since January 1, 2024 this applies to every residential landlord, whatever the number of units. Interest is owed only where the property has 25 or more units and the deposit is held more than 6 months (765 ILCS 715/1). Local ordinances can add rules.
Indiana No limit 45 days No No statewide deposit limit, and cities and counties may not set one. Within 45 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must return the deposit less an itemized list of deductions; the deadline runs only once the tenant gives a mailing address in writing (Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-16).
Iowa 2 months' rent 30 days See details Max 2 months' rent. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit or send a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it; missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold. Interest earned in the first five years belongs to the landlord (Iowa Code § 562A.12).
Kansas 1 month's rent 30 days No Max 1 month's rent unfurnished or 1.5 months furnished, plus up to half a month more if pets are allowed. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemization of any deductions, within 14 days after determining the deductions and never later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for it. Wrongful withholding can cost 1.5 times the amount withheld on top of the deposit (K.S.A. 58-2550).
Kentucky No limit No fixed deadline found (see details) No No statewide deposit limit and no fixed refund deadline. In cities and counties that have adopted Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the landlord must hold deposits in a separate bank account, give move-in and move-out damage lists, and send notice of any refund due; the landlord may keep the deposit if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. A landlord who skips the account or the damage lists may not keep any of the deposit (KRS 383.580).
Louisiana No limit 1 month; a second deadline applies to deductions (see details) No No statewide deposit limit. The deposit must be returned within one month after the lease ends. If the landlord keeps any of it, the itemized statement of what was kept and why may follow up to 15 days after that one-month date (Acts 2026, No. 63, effective August 1, 2026). These rules do not apply if the tenant abandons the unit without the required notice. A willful failure costs the greater of $300 or twice the amount wrongfully kept (La. R.S. 9:3251, 9:3252).
Maine 2 months' rent 30 days No Max 2 months' rent. Under a written rental agreement the deposit, or a written itemized statement of what is kept with the balance, is due within the time the agreement sets and never more than 30 days; for a tenancy at will it is due within 21 days. A landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any of it. Does not apply to an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6033, 6037).
Maryland 1 month's rent 45 days Yes Max 1 month's rent per unit since October 1, 2024 (2 months before; up to 2 months only in a narrow utility-assistance case agreed in writing). Within 45 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit with simple interest (on deposits of $50 or more held at least 6 months), less proper deductions, with an itemized list of damages and costs sent by first-class mail (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203).
Massachusetts 1 month's rent 30 days Yes Max one month's rent. The deposit must be kept in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, with interest paid every year. It must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends; any deduction for damage needs an itemized list, signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, with estimates, bills or receipts (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B).
Michigan 1.5 months' rent 30 days No Max 1.5 months' rent. Within 30 days after the tenant moves out the landlord must mail an itemized notice of damages with the balance; without it the full deposit is due immediately. The tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out. Since September 21, 2026 (2026 PA 102) the balance may be paid electronically within 10 days after the notice (MCL 554.602, 554.609, 554.610).
Minnesota No limit 21 days Yes No statewide deposit limit. Within three weeks after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit with 1% simple yearly interest, or send a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding any of it (5 days if the tenant had to leave because the building was condemned) (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178).
Mississippi No limit 45 days No No statewide deposit limit. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized notice of any amounts kept, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for it. Bad-faith retention can cost up to $200 plus actual damages (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21).
Missouri 2 months' rent 30 days No Max 2 months' rent (a deposit labeled as a pet deposit does not count). Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the full deposit or mail an itemized list of damages with the balance, and must give the tenant reasonable notice of the move-out inspection. Wrongful withholding costs twice the amount withheld (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300).
Montana No limit 10 days with no deductions; 30 days with deductions No No statewide deposit limit. With no deductions (no damage, no cleaning needed, no unpaid rent or utilities) the full deposit is due within 10 days. With deductions for rent, damage or cleaning the landlord has 30 days to send a written list with the balance; cleaning charges need written notice and 24 hours to cure first (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202).
Nebraska 1 month's rent 14 days No Max 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to a quarter of a month's rent. Within 14 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must deliver or mail the balance with a written itemization of deductions. A willful, bad-faith failure can add liquidated damages of one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416).
Nevada 3 months' rent 30 days No Max 3 months' rent, counting the deposit, any surety bond and last month's rent together; a deposit cannot be made nonrefundable except for a reasonable cleaning charge. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the balance with an itemized written accounting, or risk owing the full deposit plus up to that amount again (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242).
New Hampshire 1 month's rent 30 days Yes Max one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater, counting all money paid beyond the monthly rent. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit with any interest owed (deposits held a year or more earn interest), or send an itemized list of damages with evidence of the repair costs. A landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental, and units in an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (unless occupied by someone 60 or older), are not covered (RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:7).
New Jersey 1.5 months' rent 30 days Yes Max 1.5 months' rent, and a yearly increase may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, with written notice of where it is within 30 days and interest paid or credited every year. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must return it with an itemized list of deductions, in person or by registered or certified mail (5 business days if the tenant was displaced by fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation). Owner-occupied buildings with 2 or fewer rental units are covered only if the tenant opts in (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26).
New Mexico Depends on the tenancy (see details) 30 days See details For a lease shorter than one year, max 1 month's rent. An annual lease has no fixed limit, but a deposit above one month's rent earns the tenant yearly interest at the passbook rate. Within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant leaves, whichever is later, the landlord must send an itemized list of deductions with the balance, or lose the right to withhold (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18).
New York 1 month's rent 14 days See details Max 1 month's rent as a deposit or advance (units under the rent control laws are outside this rule). Within 14 days after the tenant moves out the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized statement of anything kept, or lose the right to keep any of it. Interest is owed only where the property has six or more family dwelling units: the deposit goes in an interest-bearing account and the tenant receives the interest, less 1% a year the landlord may keep (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-103, 7-108).
North Carolina Depends on the tenancy (see details) 30 days No The limit depends on the tenancy: 2 weeks' rent for week-to-week, 1.5 months for month-to-month and 2 months for longer terms. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must refund the deposit with a written itemization of any damages; when the claim cannot yet be determined, an interim accounting is due at 30 days and a final one within 60 (N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-52).
North Dakota 1 month's rent 30 days Yes Max 1 month's rent (up to 2 months from a tenant with a felony conviction or a judgment for breaking a previous lease), plus a separate pet deposit. The deposit is kept in an interest-bearing account. Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession, the landlord must return it with interest (none if the tenancy lasted under 9 months), or an itemized list of deductions with any refund. Unjustified withholding can cost triple damages (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1).
Ohio No limit 30 days Yes No statewide deposit limit. Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must deliver the balance with a written itemized list of deductions. The part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, earns 5% yearly interest if the tenant stays 6 months or more. A tenant who gave no written forwarding address cannot recover double damages or attorney fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16).
Oklahoma No limit 45 days No No statewide deposit limit; deposits are kept in an Oklahoma escrow account. The landlord must return the balance, without interest and with a written itemized statement of deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a written demand; with no demand within 6 months the deposit goes to the landlord (41 O.S. § 115).
Oregon No limit 31 days No No statewide deposit limit (local rules, such as Portland's, may apply). Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant returns possession, the landlord must return the deposit or send a written accounting of each claim with the balance. Failure, or withholding in bad faith, can cost twice the amount withheld (Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300).
Pennsylvania 2 months' rent 30 days Yes Max 2 months' rent in the first year of a lease and 1 month in the second and later years. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must send a written list of damages with the balance, or lose the right to withhold for damage and risk owing double; the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. Interest is owed on deposits held more than two years (68 P.S. §§ 250.511a to 250.512).
Rhode Island 1 month's rent 20 days No Max one month's rent, whatever the deposit is called (a separate furniture deposit of up to one month is allowed for furnishings worth $5,000 or more). The deposit must be returned with a written itemized notice of any deductions within 20 days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned or the tenant gives a forwarding address, whichever is last (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19).
South Carolina No limit 30 days No No statewide deposit limit. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized notice of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for it, whichever is later. A landlord who fails can owe three times the amount wrongfully kept plus attorney fees (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410).
South Dakota 1 month's rent 21 days No Max 1 month's rent, unless landlord and tenant agree to more because special conditions pose a danger to the premises. Since July 1, 2026 (SL 2026, ch 179) the landlord has 21 days, up from two weeks, after the tenancy ends and the tenant's mailing address is received to return the deposit or send a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it; a full itemized accounting is due within 45 days only if the tenant asks (SDCL 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24).
Tennessee No limit No fixed deadline found (see details) Not confirmed by LeaseCraft No statewide deposit limit was found. In counties covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (population over 75,000), the landlord must keep deposits in a separate account at a regulated bank and prepare a move-out damage list; without both, the landlord may not keep any of the deposit. A fixed refund deadline could not be confirmed from the official text, so none is shown (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301).
Texas No limit 30 days No No statewide deposit limit. The refund is due on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the unit, but the landlord need not send it, or the written description of damages and charges, until the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.107).
Utah No limit 30 days No No statewide deposit limit; any nonrefundable part must be stated in writing when the deposit is taken. Within 30 days after the renter moves out and returns possession, the owner must return the balance with a written itemized explanation of each deduction, which may be sent electronically since May 7, 2025 (Utah Code §§ 57-17-2, 57-17-3).
Vermont No limit 14 days No No statewide deposit limit (towns may add rules, including interest). The landlord must return the deposit with a written itemized statement of deductions within 14 days after the tenant leaves (60 days for a seasonal rental that is not a primary residence), or lose the right to keep any of it; a willful failure costs double (9 V.S.A. § 4461).
Virginia 2 months' rent 45 days No Max 2 months' rent, pet deposit included. Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later, the landlord must send a written itemized statement of deductions with any refund; if damage exceeds the deposit and needs a contractor, notice within the 45 days gives 15 more days to itemize (Va. Code §§ 55.1-1200, 55.1-1226).
Washington No limit 30 days No No statewide deposit limit; a deposit requires a written lease and a signed move-in checklist. Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must give a full and specific statement of the reasons for any deduction, with copies of estimates or invoices, plus the refund; missing the deadline makes the landlord liable for the full deposit (RCW 59.18.260, 59.18.280).
Washington D.C. 1 month's rent 45 days Yes Max one month's rent, charged only once. The deposit is held in an interest-bearing escrow account, and interest is owed when a tenancy of 12 months or more ends. Within 45 days after move-out the landlord must refund the deposit with interest or give written notice of intent to withhold; the itemized statement of repair costs and any balance are then due within 30 more days. Since August 14, 2026 (D.C. Law 26-156) a notice of any unpaid amounts, with photos or other documentation, is also due within 45 days (14 DCMR §§ 308-311; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17).
West Virginia No limit 60 days No No statewide deposit limit. The landlord must return the deposit, less itemized deductions, within 60 days after the tenancy ends, or within 45 days after a new tenant moves in if that is sooner; if damage exceeds the deposit and needs a contractor, notice within that period gives 15 more days to itemize (W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, 37-6A-2).
Wisconsin No limit 21 days No No statewide deposit limit. Within 21 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit less lawful deductions, with a written statement itemizing each one; normal wear and tear may not be deducted (Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06).
Wyoming No limit 30 days; a second deadline applies to deductions (see details) No No statewide deposit limit; the lease must say whether any part is nonrefundable. The landlord must return the balance with a written itemization within 30 days after the lease ends or 15 days after receiving the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later; the period is 30 days longer if there is damage to the unit (Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208).

Methodology & data sources

Data compiled from LeaseCraft state legal requirement summaries tied to published statute references. Confidence is marked partial unless independently verified. Not reviewed by a licensed attorney — confirm with official sources before legal reliance.

LeaseCraft provides document automation and general information — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and local rules change; verify requirements with your lease, state housing agency, or a licensed professional before acting on any estimate or summary on this page.

FAQ

Does first month rent always equal one month of rent?

Usually, unless the lease starts mid-month and prorated rent applies. Some landlords also collect last month rent where permitted.

Are application fees part of move-in cost?

Application and screening fees are separate from deposit and rent. State caps on application fees vary — use our application fee calculator if applicable.

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