Security deposit return deadlines by state
How long a landlord has to return a security deposit, or explain deductions in writing, after you move out. We checked each rule against the official statute text on October 25, 2026, and re-check them every year. Laws change, so follow the link to confirm.
| State | Deadline | What the law says | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 21 days | No later than 21 calendar days after a tenant vacates, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions and return the remaining security. Under section 1950.5(m), the bad faith retention of a security deposit may subject a landlord to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages. | California Civil Code section 1950.5(h)(1) |
| Texas | 30 days | A landlord must refund a security deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, once the tenant has given a written forwarding address (section 92.107). Under section 92.109(a), a landlord who in bad faith retains a security deposit is liable for $100, three times the portion of the deposit wrongfully withheld, and the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees. | Texas Property Code section 92.103(a) |
| Florida | 15 or 30 days | A landlord must return the security deposit within 15 days after the rental agreement ends or, if the landlord intends to impose a claim on the deposit, give the tenant written notice of the claim within 30 days. A landlord who fails to give the required written notice within the 30-day period forfeits the right to impose a claim on the security deposit. | Florida Statutes section 83.49(3)(a) |
| New York | 14 days | Within 14 days after a tenant vacates, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any amount retained and return the remaining portion of the deposit, and a landlord who fails to do so forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit. Under section 7-108(1-a)(g), a person who willfully violates these provisions is liable for punitive damages of up to twice the amount of the deposit. | New York General Obligations Law section 7-108(1-a)(e) |
| Ohio | 30 days | Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must deliver any amount due to the tenant, with any deductions itemized in a written notice. Under section 5321.16(C), a landlord who fails to comply is liable for the money due, damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees. | Ohio Revised Code section 5321.16(B) |
| North Carolina | 30 days | No later than 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must refund the deposit, or itemize any damage in writing and send that itemization with the balance of the deposit. | North Carolina General Statutes section 42-52 |
| Virginia | 45 days | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever is later, the landlord must return any amount due to the tenant, with any deductions itemized in a written notice. | Code of Virginia section 55.1-1226 |
| Washington | 30 days | Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must give a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit, together with any refund due. Under RCW 59.18.280, a court may award up to two times the amount of the deposit for a landlord's intentional refusal to give the statement or refund due. | Revised Code of Washington 59.18.280(1)(a) |
| Arizona | 14 business days | Within 14 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a demand, the landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with the amount due to the tenant. Under section 33-1321(E), a landlord who fails to comply is liable for the money due and damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. | Arizona Revised Statutes section 33-1321(D) |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit or any balance of it, less only the deductions the law allows. Section 15B(7) provides for damages of three times the amount of the deposit or balance owed, plus interest, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, when a landlord fails to return it as required. | Massachusetts General Laws chapter 186, section 15B(4) |
| Minnesota | 3 weeks | Within three weeks after the tenancy ends, and after receiving the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding any part of it. Under subdivision 7, the bad faith retention of a deposit subjects a landlord to punitive damages of up to $500, in addition to other damages. | Minnesota Statutes section 504B.178, subdivision 3 |
| Maryland | 45 days | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit with interest, less any damages rightfully withheld. Under section 8-203, a tenant may recover up to three times the amount withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if the landlord fails without a reasonable basis to return the deposit within 45 days. | Maryland Real Property Code section 8-203(e)(1) |
We're adding more states. If your state isn't listed yet, your letter still asks for your deposit "as required by state law and the terms of my lease," without quoting a statute.
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This page is general information, not legal advice.