{"id":369255,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-return-timelines.html"},"modified":"2023-11-13T13:04:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T18:04:42","slug":"security-deposit-return-timelines","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-return-timelines.html","title":{"rendered":"Security Deposit Return Timelines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Security Deposit Return Timelines<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Most landlords ask for a security deposit before you can move into your new rental unit. The security deposit provides reassurance for the landlord if the renter damages the rental property or for unpaid rent. The deposit only covers damages to the rental unit, not the normal wear and tear of the property.<\/p>\r\n

State laws, though varied, regulate security deposits. These laws can cover the amount of the security deposit and a timeline to return the deposit at the end of the lease term after the renter or tenant moves out. Your state laws determine security deposit amounts and returns. These laws outline how long your landlord has to return your security deposit (along with other deposit-related provisions<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

Before Tenant Move-Out<\/h2>\r\n

Although your landlord must return your security deposit after you leave, there are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth process.<\/p>\r\n

Lease Termination Letter<\/h3>\r\n

Check your lease for specific information on submitting a lease termination letter to your landlord. Your lease should identify the lease term, from move-in to move-out. Some landlords ask for a 60-day written notice, while others are OK with a 30-day written notice. Your lease agreement should advise the landlord of your intent to move out at the end of your tenancy.<\/p>\r\n

Be sure to include the following:<\/p>\r\n