Look up the maximum security deposit, return deadline, and interest requirements for your state. Enter monthly rent to see amounts in dollars.
Compare deposit limits, return deadlines, and interest requirements across all states. Click a column header to sort.
| State | Max Deposit | Return Deadline | Interest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | 1 month rent | 60 days | No | Landlord must provide itemized list of deductions. |
| Alaska(AK) | 2 months rent | 14 days (if tenant provides forwarding address), 30 days otherwise | No | Landlord must return deposit with itemized statement. |
| Arizona(AZ) | 1.5 months rent | 14 business days | No | Must provide itemized statement. Nonrefundable fees must be separately disclosed. |
| California(CA) | 1 month rent (effective 7/1/2024) | 21 days | No | AB 12 reduced max deposit to 1 month effective 7/1/2024. Itemized statement required. Photos of damage recommended. |
| Colorado(CO) | No statutory limit | 30 days (can extend to 60 with agreement) | No | Must return with itemized statement. Landlord forfeits rights if no statement provided. |
| Connecticut(CT) | 2 months rent | 30 days (21 days if tenant owes no rent) | Yes | Interest must be paid annually or credited. Must be held in escrow account. |
| Florida(FL) | No statutory limit | 15-30 days (15 if no claim, 30 if claim) | Yes | Landlord must notify tenant within 30 days of receiving deposit where and how it is held. |
| Georgia(GA) | No statutory limit | 30 days | No | Landlord must provide itemized list. Exemption for landlords with fewer than 10 units if self-managed. |
| Illinois(IL) | No statutory limit (Chicago: 1.5 months) | 30-45 days (varies by municipality) | Yes | Chicago has strict RLTO rules. Check local ordinances. Itemized statement required. |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 1 month rent (first month, last month, deposit, lock change max) | 30 days | Yes | Strict rules: separate escrow account required. Must provide receipt within 30 days. Treble damages for violations. |
| Michigan(MI) | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | No | Must provide itemized list of deductions within 30 days. Move-in checklist required. |
| New Jersey(NJ) | 1.5 months rent | 30 days | Yes | Must invest in interest-bearing account or purchase NJ bond. Annual interest statement required. |
| New York(NY) | 1 month rent (effective 2019) | 14 days | Yes | HSTPA 2019 limited to 1 month max. No nonrefundable fees allowed. Must return within 14 days with itemized statement. |
| North Carolina(NC) | 1.5 months (weekly lease), 2 months (monthly lease) | 30 days | No | Must hold in trust account. Provide itemized statement within 30 days. |
| Ohio(OH) | No statutory limit | 30 days | Yes | Interest required on deposits exceeding $50 or 1 month rent. Must provide itemized list. |
| Oregon(OR) | No statutory limit | 31 days | No | Must return within 31 days with itemized statement. Prepaid rent considered deposit. |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 2 months (first year), 1 month (after first year) | 30 days | Yes | Reduces to 1 month after first year. Interest required after 2 years of tenancy. Must hold in escrow. |
| Tennessee(TN) | No statutory limit | 30 days | No | Must return within 30 days. No separate escrow required. |
| Texas(TX) | No statutory limit | 30 days | No | Must return within 30 days. Itemized deductions required for any withholding. |
| Virginia(VA) | 2 months rent | 45 days | Yes | Interest accrues after 13 months. Must provide written notice of move-out inspection. |
| Washington(WA) | No statutory limit | 21 days | No | Must provide move-in/move-out checklist. Itemized statement required within 21 days. |
Data is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Always consult a local attorney for legal advice.