{"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":"2025-07-22T18:46:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T23:46:52","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"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Security Deposit Limits<\/h1>\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                            July 22, 2025\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<blockquote><i>Security deposit limits are an important part of rental properties that provide financial protection for landlords while ensuring fairness for tenants. State laws regulate how much landlords can charge for security deposits, with most states capping the amount at one or two months&#8217; rent. 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. Understanding these limits helps both landlords and tenants ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid potential disputes over rental agreements.<\/i><\/blockquote>\r\n<h2>Understanding Security Deposits<\/h2>\r\n<p>A security deposit is a normal part of renting real estate. 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 achieve this goal.<\/p>\r\n<p>A security deposit is one way for your landlord to financially protect themselves against the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Unpaid rent<\/li>\r\n<li>Damage that exceeds normal wear and tear<\/li>\r\n<li>Cleanup costs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Typically, renters pay the security deposit before they move in. State laws govern how the landlord treats the security deposit from receipt to after the tenant moves out.<\/p>\r\n<h2>State Laws Regarding Security Deposits<\/h2>\r\n<p>State laws govern almost all aspects of how landlords treat a security deposit. In most states, such as Maryland, landlords must do the following with a security deposit:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Give the tenant a written receipt for the security deposit<\/li>\r\n<li>Place the security deposit in an interest-bearing separate bank account or trust account<\/li>\r\n<li>Return the security deposit within a specified timeframe after the tenant moves out<\/li>\r\n<li>State laws also govern the amount of money landlords can charge for a security deposit<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Landlords who don&#8217;t meet the requirements with security deposits can face fines.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Security Deposit Limits<\/h2>\r\n<p>Each state sets&nbsp;security deposit policies. Some states have no limits on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit, while other states limit it to one month&#8217;s rent. States fall into one of&nbsp;the following categories:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>No limit on the security deposit<\/li>\r\n<li>Up to one month&#8217;s rent<\/li>\r\n<li>Up to a month and a half&#8217;s rent<\/li>\r\n<li>Up to two months&#8217; rent<\/li>\r\n<li>Up to three months&#8217; rent<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>While these are the maximum amounts a landlord can request for a security deposit,&nbsp;they can ask for less than the statutory maximum if they so choose. Local city or county ordinances may impose stricter rules than state law.<\/p>\r\n<h3>No Limit On Security Deposit<\/h3>\r\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>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Colorado<\/li>\r\n<li>Florida<\/li>\r\n<li>Georgia<\/li>\r\n<li>Idaho<\/li>\r\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\r\n<li>Indiana<\/li>\r\n<li>Kentucky<\/li>\r\n<li>Louisiana<\/li>\r\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\r\n<li>Mississippi<\/li>\r\n<li>Montana<\/li>\r\n<li>Ohio<\/li>\r\n<li>Oklahoma<\/li>\r\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\r\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\r\n<li>Tennessee<\/li>\r\n<li>Texas<\/li>\r\n<li>Utah<\/li>\r\n<li>Vermont<\/li>\r\n<li>Washington<\/li>\r\n<li>West Virginia<\/li>\r\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\r\n<li>Wyoming<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit up to One Month&#8217;s Rent<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Leases of at least 12 months<ul>\r\n<li>Alabama<\/li>\r\n<li>Delaware<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>Leases of 12 months or less<ul>\r\n<li>District of Columbia<\/li>\r\n<li>Hawaii<\/li>\r\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\r\n<li>Nebraska<\/li>\r\n<li>New Hampshire<\/li>\r\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>Up to one month&#8217;s rent unless it is your first year of renting<ul>\r\n<li>New York<\/li>\r\n<li>North Dakota<\/li>\r\n<li>Pennsylvania<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>Deposit is the same amount as your first month&#8217;s rent<ul>\r\n<li>Rhode Island<\/li>\r\n<li>South Dakota<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>Deposit of up to one month&#8217;s rent if you are over 62<ul>\r\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to up to One and a Half Months&#8217; Rent<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Arizona<\/li>\r\n<li>Michigan<\/li>\r\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\r\n<li>North Carolina (for month-to-month tenancies)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to up to Two Months&#8217; Rent<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Alaska (only if rent is less than $2000\/month)<\/li>\r\n<li>Arkansas<\/li>\r\n<li>California (unfurnished)<\/li>\r\n<li>Connecticut (for those under 62)<\/li>\r\n<li>For tenancies over two months<ul>\r\n<li>Iowa<\/li>\r\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\r\n<li>Maine<\/li>\r\n<li>Maryland<\/li>\r\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\r\n<li>North Carolina (for tenancies longer than two months)<\/li>\r\n<li>Virginia (just two months&#8217; rent)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>States That Limit a Security Deposit to up to Three Months&#8217;&nbsp;Rent<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>California (furnished)<\/li>\r\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Landlords who exceed statutory limits on a tenant&#8217;s security deposits face legal repercussions, including fines and lawsuits. Tenants can seek relief in&nbsp;small claims court.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Timeframes for Return of Security Deposit<\/h2>\r\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 do the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Notice<\/b>: Give your landlord written notice of your intent to move out<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Forwarding address<\/b>: Include a forwarding address in your written notice&nbsp;to receive your security deposit return<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Walkthrough or inspection<\/b>:&nbsp;Schedule a time to do a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager to identify any possible damages<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Give Written Notice Before Your Lease Ends<\/h3>\r\n<p>You should send your written notice via certified mail to ensure receipt. Your state&#8217;s laws will identify how long your landlord has to return your security deposit. This timeframe will differ from state to state. In many cases, landlords return the total amount of the security deposit, while others withhold a portion of the security deposit.<\/p>\r\n<h3>When Can Landlords Keep All or Part of a Security Deposit?<\/h3>\r\n<p>If your landlord decides to keep 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 can only&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html\">make deductions<\/a>&nbsp;for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear refers to the ordinary usage of a rental unit, including the following examples:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Faded carpet<\/li>\r\n<li>Broken blinds<\/li>\r\n<li>Broken lightbulbs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Damages beyond normal wear and tear include the following examples:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Holes in the wall<\/li>\r\n<li>Broken windows<\/li>\r\n<li>Broken tiles in the bathroom<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Forget Your Interest<\/h2>\r\n<p>If your state requires landlords to place the security deposit in an interest-bearing account, the landlord must give you any interest collected during your tenancy.<\/p>\r\n<p>For more information about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, see FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-rights\/\">Tenant Rights<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-rights\/\">Landlord Rights<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tenant-disputes\/\">Landlord-Tenant Disputes<\/a>&nbsp;sections.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Get Legal Help<\/h2>\r\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 a security deposit, a landlord-tenant attorney can help. They are experts in landlord-tenant law and can give you sound advice. Speak with an experienced local&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant attorney<\/a>&nbsp;today.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Security Deposit Limits: Additional Resources<\/h2>\r\n<p>Learn more about security deposit laws with these resources:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\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>\r\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>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">Security Deposit Laws Can Help Get Your Deposit Back<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\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 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\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--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\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--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\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--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-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--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" 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 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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\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <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                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\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                            <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                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. 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   <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How much a landlord can legally require you to provide as a security deposit? Find out about this and other legal questions at FindLaw&#8217;s section on Landlord Tenant Law.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369187,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369254","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369254"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369254\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369254"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369254"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}