Security deposit return deadlines by state
Here's how long landlords generally have to return a security deposit, or explain deductions, after you move out. The clock often starts at move-out or when you give a forwarding address.
Updated October 11, 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
Deadlines by state
| State | Deadline to return the deposit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 days after the lease ends and you move out |
| Alaska | 14 days, or 30 days if they deduct for damage |
| Arizona | 14 business days |
| Arkansas | 60 days (some small landlords are exempt) |
| California | 21 days after you move out |
| Colorado | 1 month, or up to 60 days if the lease says so |
| Connecticut | 21 days, or 15 days after you give a forwarding address if later |
| Delaware | 20 days after the lease ends |
| District of Columbia | 45 days to return it or give notice of deductions |
| Florida | 15 days with no deductions; notice of any claim within 30 days |
| Georgia | 30 days |
| Hawaii | 14 days |
| Idaho | 21 days (up to 30 if the lease says so) |
| Illinois | 30 days if they deduct for damage, 45 days to return it in full |
| Indiana | 45 days after you give a mailing address |
| Iowa | 30 days after you give a mailing address |
| Kansas | 14 days after charges are set, no later than 30 days |
| Kentucky | no fixed deadline in state law |
| Louisiana | 1 month |
| Maine | 30 days (21 days for a tenancy at will) |
| Maryland | 45 days |
| Massachusetts | 30 days |
| Michigan | 30 days |
| Minnesota | 3 weeks after you give a forwarding address |
| Mississippi | 45 days |
| Missouri | 30 days |
| Montana | 30 days, or 10 days with no deductions |
| Nebraska | 14 days |
| Nevada | 30 days |
| New Hampshire | 30 days |
| New Jersey | 30 days (faster after fire, flood or condemnation) |
| New Mexico | 30 days |
| New York | 14 days after you move out |
| North Carolina | 30 days (up to 60 with an interim accounting) |
| North Dakota | 30 days |
| Ohio | 30 days |
| Oklahoma | 45 days after a written request |
| Oregon | 31 days |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days |
| Rhode Island | 20 days |
| South Carolina | 30 days |
| South Dakota | 2 weeks (sources differ; some say 21 days) |
| Tennessee | no fixed deadline in state law |
| Texas | 30 days after you give a written forwarding address |
| Utah | 30 days |
| Vermont | 14 days |
| Virginia | 45 days (60 if a contractor is needed) |
| Washington | 30 days |
| West Virginia | 60 days after the lease ends, or 45 days after a new tenant moves in if sooner |
| Wisconsin | 21 days |
| Wyoming | 30 days, or 15 days after you give a new address if later |
Compiled from state law summaries, checked October 2026. Exceptions apply and laws change; check your state's statute for your situation.
If your landlord misses the deadline
Send a written demand letter that names the deadline and asks for the full deposit within 14 days. If they still don't pay, small claims court is the next step. Laws change and exceptions apply, so check your state's statute or ask a local tenant group if a lot of money is at stake.
Questions
Which state has the shortest deposit deadline?
Several states give landlords about two weeks, including New York, Hawaii, Nebraska and Vermont, while Alabama and Arkansas allow 60 days.