50-State Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Compare security deposits, eviction notices, rent control, and tenant rights across all 50 states
Quick Comparison: Key Laws
| State | Security Deposit Limit | Return Days | Eviction Notice (Nonpayment) | Rent Control | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No statutory limit | 60 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| Alaska | 2 months rent | 14 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| Arizona | 1.5 months rent | 14 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Arkansas | 2 months rent | 60 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| California | 2 months rent (unfurnished), 3 months (furnished) | 21 days | 3 days | Yes | View Laws |
| Colorado | No statutory limit | 30 days | 10 days | No | View Laws |
| Connecticut | 2 months rent | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Delaware | 1 month rent | 20 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Florida | No statutory limit | 15 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Georgia | No statutory limit | 30 days | Immediate demand days | No | View Laws |
| Hawaii | 1 month rent | 14 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Idaho | No statutory limit | 21 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Illinois | 1.5 months rent (Chicago) | 30 days | 5 days | Yes | View Laws |
| Indiana | No statutory limit | 45 days | 10 days | No | View Laws |
| Iowa | 2 months rent | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Kansas | 1 month rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months (furnished) | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Kentucky | No statutory limit | 30 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| Louisiana | No statutory limit | 30 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Maine | 2 months rent | 30 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| Maryland | 2 months rent | 45 days | Immediately days | Yes | View Laws |
| Massachusetts | 1 month rent | 30 days | 14 days | Yes | View Laws |
| Michigan | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| Minnesota | No statutory limit | 21 days | 14 days | Yes | View Laws |
| Mississippi | No statutory limit | 45 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Missouri | 2 months rent | 30 days | Immediately days | No | View Laws |
| Montana | No statutory limit | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Nebraska | 1 month rent (no pets), 1.25 months (with pets) | 14 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Nevada | 3 months rent | 30 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| New Hampshire | 1 month rent or $100 | 30 days | 7 days | No | View Laws |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | 30 days | Yes | View Laws |
| New Mexico | 1 month rent (under 1 year lease) | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| New York | 1 month rent | 14 days | 14 days | Yes | View Laws |
| North Carolina | 2 months rent | 30 days | 10 days | No | View Laws |
| North Dakota | 1 month rent (2 months if poor credit) | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Ohio | No statutory limit | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Oklahoma | No statutory limit | 45 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Oregon | No statutory limit | 31 days | 13 days | Yes | View Laws |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months rent (first year), 1 month (after) | 30 days | 10 days | No | View Laws |
| Rhode Island | 1 month rent | 20 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| South Carolina | No statutory limit | 30 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| South Dakota | 1 month rent | 14 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Tennessee | No statutory limit | 30 days | 14 days | No | View Laws |
| Texas | No statutory limit | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Utah | No statutory limit | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Vermont | No statutory limit | 14 days | 14 days | No | View Laws |
| Virginia | 2 months rent | 45 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Washington | No statutory limit | 21 days | 14 days | No | View Laws |
| West Virginia | No statutory limit | 60 days | Immediately days | No | View Laws |
| Wisconsin | No statutory limit | 21 days | 5 days | No | View Laws |
| Wyoming | No statutory limit | 30 days | 3 days | No | View Laws |
| Washington D.C. | 1 month rent | 45 days | 30 days | Yes | View Laws |
Security Deposit Laws
Security deposit limits vary significantly by state:
- Lowest limits: NY, MA, RI, HI (1 month)
- No limits: TX, FL, GA, OH, and 15+ states
- Return time: 14-60 days depending on state
Rent Control States
States with rent control or stabilization:
- Statewide: CA, OR
- Local only: NY, NJ, MD, DC
- Limited: MN (St. Paul), IL (Chicago)
Eviction Notice
Notice requirements for nonpayment of rent:
- Shortest: AR, TX, UT (3 days)
- Longest: NJ, DC (30 days)
- Average: 5-14 days most states
Frequently Asked Questions
California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. have the strongest tenant protections, including rent control, strict security deposit limits (1 month), long eviction notice periods, and "just cause" eviction requirements.
Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, and West Virginia are generally considered landlord-friendly with no security deposit limits, short eviction notice periods (3 days for nonpayment in TX), and no rent control restrictions.
In most states, security deposit laws apply to all residential rentals. However, some states exempt owner-occupied buildings with few units, single-family homes, or short-term rentals. Always check your specific state's exemptions.