What is my State law for the return of a security deposit to a tenant after they move out?
As a landlord you must comply with State Laws regarding the return of a tenants security deposit. For more information on your states specific procedures for returning security deposits, see your states landlord-tenant statutes.
Alabama - no statutory deadline
Alaska - 14 days if the tenant gives proper notice to terminate tenancy: 30 days if the tenant does not give proper notice.
Arizona - 14 days
Arkansas - 30 days
California - 3 weeks
Colorado - One month, unless the lease agreement specifies longer period of time, which may not be longer than 60 days, if the tenant vacated for a hazardous condition you must return the deposit within 72 hours not counting weekends or holidays
Connecticut - 30 days, or within 15 days of receiving tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later
Delaware - 20 days
District of Columbia - 45 days
Florida - 15-60 days depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions
Georgia - one month
Hawaii - 14 days
Idaho - 21 days or up to 30 days if the landlord and tenant agree
Illinois - 30-45 days, depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions
Indiana - 45 days
Iowa - 30 days
Kansas - 30 days
Kentucky - 30-60 days, depending upon whether tenant disputes deductions
Louisiana - One month
Maine - 30 days (if written rental agreement) or 21 days (if tenancy is at will)
Maryland - 30-45 days, depending upon whether tenant has been evicted or has abandoned the premises
Massachusetts - 30 days
Michigan - 30 days
Minnesota - Three weeks after tenant leaves and landlord receives mailing address; five days if tenant must leave due to the building being condemn.
Mississippi - 45 days
Missouri - 30 days
Montana - 30 days (40 days if no deductions)
Nebraska - 14 days
Nevada - 30 days
New Hampshire - 30 days for shared facilities, if the deposit is more than 30 days' rent, landlord must provide written agreement acknowledging receipt and specifying when deposit will be returned - - if no written agreement, 20 days after tenant vacates
New Jersey - 30 days; five days in case of a fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation
New Mexico - 30 days
New York - Reasonable time
North Carolina - 30 days
North Dakota - 30 days
Ohio - 30 days
Oklahoma - 30 days
Oregon - 31 days
Pennsylvania - 30 days
Rhode Island - 20 days
South Carolina - 30 days
South Dakota - Two weeks to return entire deposit or a portion, and supply reasons for withholding; 45 days for a written, itemized accounting, if tenant requests it
Tennessee - No statutory deadline
Texas - 30 days
Utah - 30 days, or within 15 days of receiving tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later
Vermont - 14 days
Virginia - 45 days
Washington - 14 days
West Virginia - No statutory deadline
Wisconsin - 21 days
Wyoming - 30 days, or within 15 days of receiving tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later; 60 days if there is damage
For more questions about the return of security deposit by state and tenancy laws, refer to your states Real Estate Commission office website.
