Security Deposit Laws by State: A 2026 Renter's Guide

Every US state has different rules for how landlords must hold and return your security deposit. Here's a state-by-state cheat sheet.

Most states require your landlord to return your security deposit within 14 to 60 days of move-out. The exact deadline, the requirement to itemize deductions, and whether the deposit must earn interest all vary state by state. We've published full breakdowns for Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, and California, with more on the way.