Average Security Deposit by State
Complete guide to security deposit limits, averages, and refund timelines for all 50 states
$1,870
National Average Deposit
1.1
Months Rent (Average)
27
States with Deposit Limits
Security Deposit Limits by State (2026)
| State | Maximum Deposit | Return Timeline | Interest Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No limit | 60 days | No |
| Alaska | 2 months rent | 14-30 days | No |
| Arizona | 1.5 months rent | 14 days | No |
| Arkansas | No limit | 60 days | No |
| California | 2 months (unfurnished) | 21 days | No |
| Colorado | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Connecticut | 2 months rent | 30 days | Yes (if held 6+ months) |
| Delaware | 1 month rent | 20 days | No |
| Florida | No limit | 15-30 days | Yes (if held 30+ days) |
| Georgia | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Hawaii | 1 month rent | 14 days | No |
| Idaho | No limit | 21-30 days | No |
| Illinois | No limit | 30-45 days | Yes (25+ units) |
| Indiana | No limit | 45 days | No |
| Iowa | 2 months rent | 30 days | Yes (if held 5+ years) |
| Kansas | 1 month (unfurnished) | 30 days | No |
| Kentucky | No limit | 30-60 days | No |
| Louisiana | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Maine | 2 months rent | 30 days | No |
| Maryland | 2 months rent | 45 days | Yes (if held 6+ months) |
| Massachusetts | 1 month rent | 30 days | Yes |
| Michigan | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | No |
| Minnesota | No limit | 21 days | Yes (after 1 year) |
| Mississippi | No limit | 45 days | No |
| Missouri | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Montana | No limit | 10-30 days | No |
| Nebraska | No limit | 14 days | No |
| Nevada | 3 months rent | 30 days | No |
| New Hampshire | 1 month rent | 30 days | No |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | Yes |
| New Mexico | No limit | 30 days | No |
| New York | 1 month rent | 14 days | Yes |
| North Carolina | 2 months rent | 30 days | Yes (if 9+ units) |
| North Dakota | 1 month rent | 30 days | No |
| Ohio | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Oklahoma | No limit | 45 days | No |
| Oregon | No limit | 31 days | No |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months (1st year) | 30 days | Yes (after 2 years) |
| Rhode Island | 1 month rent | 20 days | No |
| South Carolina | No limit | 30 days | No |
| South Dakota | 1 month rent | 14 days | No |
| Tennessee | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Texas | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Utah | No limit | 30 days | No |
| Vermont | No limit | 14 days | No |
| Virginia | 2 months rent | 45 days | No |
| Washington | No limit | 21 days | No |
| West Virginia | No limit | None specified | No |
| Wisconsin | No limit | 21 days | No |
| Wyoming | No limit | 30 days | No |
Key Findings
- New York: 1 month max, 14-day return, interest required
- Massachusetts: 1 month max, interest in escrow
- Delaware: 1 month max, 20-day return
- Hawaii: 1 month max, 14-day return
- New Hampshire: 1 month max (or $100, whichever greater)
23 states have no statutory limit on security deposits:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate Your Expected Deposit
Use our free calculator to estimate security deposit costs based on your state.
Move-In Cost Calculator Security Deposit FAQMethodology & data sources
This page summarizes publicly available rental market and landlord-tenant reference data for planning purposes.
- Sources: State housing agency publications and LeaseCraft state legal requirement summaries.
- Last reviewed: January 2026
- Limitations: Figures are estimates and may not reflect your city, building type, or current lease terms. Always verify deposit caps and return deadlines with your state housing authority.
Disclaimer
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.