{"id":369254,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-limits.html"},"modified":"2026-09-24T18:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T23:46:00","slug":"security-deposit-limits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-limits.html","title":{"rendered":"Security Deposit Limits: State Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Security Deposit Limits: State Guide<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jordan-walker-j-d\/\">Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 24, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>State laws regulate how much landlords can charge for security deposits, with most states capping the amount at one or two months&#8217; rent.<\/li>\n<li>Some states set specific limits based on the length of the lease or the age of the tenant, while others have no statutory cap at all.<\/li>\n<li>Understanding these limits helps both landlords and tenants ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid potential disputes over rental agreements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div id=\"cMkxRhruph3AFvTUtRoJ4-content-0\">\n<p>Caps on security deposits vary by state. Some states allow landlords to charge any amount they choose, while others impose strict ceilings, often one or two months\u2019 rent. A few states permit even higher limits.<\/p>\n<p>These differences matter because they directly impact a renter\u2019s upfront costs when moving into a new place. Keep reading to learn more about security deposit rules and the specific limits for each state.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant attorney<\/a> in your area can explain what your state allows and help resolve an issue regarding a deposit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Do Landlords Need Security Deposits?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: revert; font-size: revert; font-weight: revert;\">Security deposit limits are an important part of renting a property. They provide financial protection for landlords while ensuring fairness for tenants. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Your prospective rental unit is likely part of your landlord&#8217;s larger rental property. Accordingly, your landlord or property manager must protect the rental property. A security deposit helps them do so.<\/p>\n<p>Rental property owners use security deposits to protect themselves from:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unpaid rent<\/li>\n<li>Damage that exceeds normal wear and tear<\/li>\n<li>Cleanup costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Typically, renters pay the security deposit before they move in. State laws govern how landlords handle the security deposit from receipt through move-out.<\/p>\n<h2>State Laws Determine the Rules for Security Deposits<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/state-by-state-chart-of-landlord-and-tenant-laws.html\">State laws<\/a> govern almost every aspect of how landlords treat a security deposit. In most states, such as Maryland, landlords must do the following with a security deposit:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Give the tenant a written receipt for the security deposit<\/li>\n<li>Place the security deposit in an interest-bearing separate bank account or trust account<\/li>\n<li>Return the security deposit within a specified timeframe after the tenant moves out<\/li>\n<li>State laws also govern the amount of money landlords can charge for a security deposit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Landlords who don&#8217;t meet security deposit requirements can face fines.<\/p>\n<h2>Security Deposit Limits<\/h2>\n<p>Each state sets security deposit policies. Some states have no limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit, while others limit it to one month&#8217;s rent. States fall into one of the following categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No limit on the security deposit<\/li>\n<li>Up to one month&#8217;s rent<\/li>\n<li>Up to a month and a half&#8217;s rent<\/li>\n<li>Up to two months&#8217; rent<\/li>\n<li>Up to three months&#8217; rent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While these are the maximum amounts a landlord can request for a security deposit,\u00a0they can ask for less than the statutory maximum if they so choose. Local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civic-engagement\/making-sense-of-local-government.html\">city or county ordinances<\/a> may impose stricter rules than state law.<\/p>\n<h3>No Limit On Security Deposit<\/h3>\n<p>The following states have no limit on a security deposit. This means a landlord, property owner, or property management company can charge as much as they want for a security deposit.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Colorado<\/li>\n<li>Florida<\/li>\n<li>Georgia<\/li>\n<li>Idaho<\/li>\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\n<li>Indiana<\/li>\n<li>Kentucky<\/li>\n<li>Louisiana<\/li>\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\n<li>Mississippi<\/li>\n<li>Montana<\/li>\n<li>Ohio<\/li>\n<li>Oklahoma<\/li>\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\n<li>Tennessee<\/li>\n<li>Texas<\/li>\n<li>Utah<\/li>\n<li>Vermont<\/li>\n<li>Washington<\/li>\n<li>West Virginia<\/li>\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\n<li>Wyoming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to One Month&#8217;s Rent<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Leases of at least 12 months:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alabama<\/li>\n<li>Delaware<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Leases of 12 months or less:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>District of Columbia<\/li>\n<li>Hawaii<\/li>\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\n<li>Nebraska<\/li>\n<li>New Hampshire<\/li>\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Up to one month\u2019s rent, unless it is your first year of renting:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>New York<\/li>\n<li>North Dakota<\/li>\n<li>Pennsylvania<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Deposit is the same amount as your first month\u2019s rent:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rhode Island<\/li>\n<li>South Dakota<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Deposit of up to one month\u2019s rent if you are over 62:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to One and a Half Months&#8217; Rent<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Arizona<\/li>\n<li>Michigan<\/li>\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\n<li>North Carolina (for month-to-month tenancies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to Two Months&#8217; Rent<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Alaska (only if rent is less than $2000\/month)<\/li>\n<li>Arkansas<\/li>\n<li>California (unfurnished)<\/li>\n<li>Connecticut (for those under 62)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For tenancies over two months:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Iowa<\/li>\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\n<li>Maine<\/li>\n<li>Maryland<\/li>\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\n<li>North Carolina (for tenancies longer than two months)<\/li>\n<li>Virginia (just two months&#8217; rent)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to Three Months&#8217; Rent<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>California (furnished)<\/li>\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Landlords who exceed statutory limits on a tenant&#8217;s security deposits face legal penalties, including fines and lawsuits. Tenants can seek relief in small claims court. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Timeframes for Return of Security Deposit<\/h2>\n<p>Your landlord must return your security deposit at the end of the lease after you move out of the rental property. Your lease agreement should have more specific information on how to get your security deposit back. In general, you should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Notice<\/b>: Give your landlord written notice of your intent to move out<\/li>\n<li><b>Forwarding address<\/b>: Include a forwarding address in your written notice\u00a0to receive your security deposit return<\/li>\n<li><b>Walkthrough or inspection<\/b>:\u00a0Schedule a time to do a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager to identify any possible damages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Give Written Notice Before Your Lease Ends<\/h3>\n<p>You should send your written notice <a href=\"https:\/\/news2use.ors.nih.gov\/Pages\/Registered-vs-Certified-Mail-Understanding-USPS-Special-Services.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">via certified mail<\/a> to ensure receipt. Your state&#8217;s laws will identify how long your landlord has to return your security deposit. This timeframe varies by state. In many cases, landlords return the full security deposit, while others withhold a portion.<\/p>\n<h3>When Can Landlords Keep All or Part of a Security Deposit?<\/h3>\n<p>If your landlord keeps part of the security deposit, they must do so in accordance with your state&#8217;s laws. They must also provide you with an itemized list of deductions from your security deposit. They <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">may\u00a0deduct only<\/span>\u00a0for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html\">damages beyond normal wear and tear<\/a>. Normal wear and tear refers to the ordinary usage of a rental unit, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Faded carpet<\/li>\n<li>Broken blinds<\/li>\n<li>Broken lightbulbs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Damages beyond normal wear and tear include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Holes in the wall<\/li>\n<li>Broken windows<\/li>\n<li>Broken tiles in the bathroom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Your Security Deposit May Gain Interest<\/h2>\n<p>If your state requires landlords to place the security deposit in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/banking.html\">interest-bearing account<\/a>, the landlord must give you any interest collected during your tenancy. If you receive more back than your original security deposit, this is likely why.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help With a Security Deposit<\/h2>\n<p>The law limits the amount a landlord can require for a security deposit. If you have any questions about the amount a landlord asks for as a security deposit, a landlord-tenant attorney can help. They are experts in landlord-tenant law and can provide expert legal guidance tailored to your situation and state laws.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal help near you. Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state where the rental property is. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<h2>Security Deposit Limits: Additional Resources<\/h2>\n<p>Learn more about security deposit laws with these resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/the-difference-between-last-month-s-rent-and-a-security-deposit.html\">The Difference Between Last Month&#8217;s Rent and a Security Deposit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html\">What Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit for Cleaning and Repairs?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">How To Get Your Deposit Back<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 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role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div 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name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, draft a demand letter, or represent you in small claims court\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                      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