Common questions
Deposit questions, answered straight
Does my landlord owe me interest on my security deposit?
It depends on your state. A group of states — including Ohio (5%), Massachusetts (5%), Florida (5% in the common case), Minnesota (1% after a year), New Jersey, and Connecticut — requires interest, and a few big cities (Chicago, San Francisco, New York City for large buildings) add their own rules even where the state doesn't. Select your state in the calculator above for the exact rule.
How long does my landlord have to return the deposit?
Every state sets a deadline between 14 and 60 days after you move out, with 21–30 days the most common. Many states also require an itemized written statement of any deductions. Pick your state above and the calculator shows your deadline as an actual calendar date.
What is the most a landlord can charge for a deposit?
About half of states cap deposits — usually at one to two months' rent (California: one month; Arizona: one and a half; Nevada: three). The rest let the lease set the amount. Your state page lists the cap and its exceptions.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. Every state allows charges for damage beyond normal wear and tear, and none allows charging for wear itself — faded paint, worn walkway carpet, small nail holes. Deductions usually require an itemized written statement; your move-out photos are how you check every line.
My deposit is late. What do I do?
Once your state's deadline passes without a refund or itemized statement, you are in wrongful-withholding territory, where several states add double or triple damages. Send a demand letter citing the deadline and statute (our free template takes ten minutes), then file in small claims court if it's ignored.
Is this site legal advice?
No — DepositLens is legal information: we summarize state statutes with citations so you can verify everything yourself. For a live dispute, your state housing authority or local legal aid is the right next step.
