Returning a Security Deposit Without Getting Sued
Deadlines, allowed deductions, and itemization rules for returning a deposit.
Know your deadline
Every state sets a deadline to return the deposit after move-out — commonly 14 to 60 days. Miss it and you can forfeit the right to keep any of it, and in many states owe the tenant two or three times the amount plus their attorney's fees. The clock usually starts at the end of the tenancy or when the tenant gives a forwarding address, so calendar it immediately.
Deduct only what you can document
You can deduct unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear — but not ordinary wear (faded paint, minor carpet wear). Most states require an itemized statement listing each deduction with amounts, and many expect receipts or estimates. Photos at move-in and move-out are your best evidence.
Don't forget interest
If you're in one of the states that requires interest on the deposit, you must include it in the return. Use the deposit return tracker to find your deadline and build an itemized statement, and the security deposit interest calculator to compute any interest owed.
Try the tool
Not legal advice. LandlordKit provides general informational tools, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county. Verify the cited statute and consult a licensed attorney before acting on any result.