How to get your security deposit back
Every state limits how long a landlord can hold your deposit and what they can deduct for. Normal wear and tear usually isn't a valid deduction.
Updated October 11, 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
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Step by step
- 1Document move-outTake dated photos and video of every room, and keep your move-in checklist if you have one.
- 2Give a forwarding address in writingIn many states the landlord's clock depends on it. Email or mail it and keep a copy.
- 3Know your state's deadlineMost states give landlords 14 to 60 days. See the table by state below.
- 4Send a demand letterIf the deadline passes or deductions look unfair, send a dated letter asking for the amount owed within 14 days.
- 5Go to small claims courtSmall claims is built for people without lawyers. Some states let you recover extra if a deposit was kept in bad faith.
What landlords usually can't deduct
- Normal wear and tear: faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes
- Cleaning beyond returning the unit to its move-in condition
- Repairs for damage that was there when you moved in
- Charges without an itemized list, in states that require one
Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
It depends on the state, usually 14 to 60 days after move-out. See our state-by-state table.
What if my landlord never returned my deposit?
Send a written demand with a deadline. If they don't pay, you can file in small claims court, and some states award extra damages for bad-faith withholding.