Security deposit letters, state by state
One guide per state for security deposit disputes — the deadline that applies where you live, what to put in the letter, and how to send it.
Alabama Security Deposit Laws and Demand Letter Rules
Alabama landlords have 60 days to return your deposit or face double penalties under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201. Demand your funds before the 90-day forfeiture.
Arizona Security Deposit Demand Letter & A.R.S. § 33-1321
Under A.R.S. § 33-1321, Arizona landlords have 14 business days to return your deposit or face double damages in small claims court up to $5,000.
California Security Deposit Demand Letter: 21-Day Rule
California landlords have 21 days to return deposits under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5. Demand your funds or claim up to 2x statutory damages in small claims.
Colorado Security Deposit Demand Letter Rules and Deadlines
Learn Colorado security deposit law under C.R.S. 38-12-103. Discover the 30-day deadline, itemized deductions, small claims limits, and triple damages rules.
Florida Security Deposit Demand Letters and Fla. Stat. § 83.49
Understand Florida security deposit deadlines under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, notice forfeiture rules, and recovering deposits up to $8,000 in small claims court.
Georgia Security Deposit Law and 30-Day Return Rules
Georgia landlord keeping your deposit? Learn the 30-day deadline under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34, the 3x penalty, and how to file in Magistrate Court.
Illinois Security Deposit Laws and 765 ILCS 710 Deadlines
Learn how 765 ILCS 710/1 sets 30-day and 45-day deposit return deadlines in Illinois, when double damages apply, and how to recover funds up to $10,000.
Indiana Security Deposit Law and Return Demand Letters
Indiana landlords have 45 days to return your deposit once you provide a forwarding address. Learn deductions, small claims limits, and how to demand payment.
Kentucky Security Deposit Demand Letter: Laws & Limits
Learn how to demand your Kentucky security deposit under KRS 383.580. Understand forfeiture rules, written dissent mandates, and District Court small claims.
Louisiana Security Deposit Demand Letters: Rules & Laws
Learn Louisiana security deposit deadlines under La. R.S. 9:3251, the 30-day demand rule, double damages penalties, and $5,000 small claims court limits.
Maryland Security Deposit Demand Letters: The 45-Day Law
Learn how Maryland Real Property Section 8-203 requires landlords to return security deposits within 45 days or face up to threefold statutory damages.
Massachusetts Security Deposit Demand Letter Guide
Demand your Massachusetts security deposit back under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B. Learn the 30-day deadline, 3x damages penalty, and $7,000 small claims limit.
Michigan Security Deposit Demand Letters & 30-Day Rule
Learn how Michigan MCL § 554.609 enforces a 30-day deposit return rule, when the 2x penalty applies, and how to file up to $7,000 in small claims.
Minnesota Security Deposit Demand Letter & Return Rules
Under Minnesota law, landlords have 21 days to return your deposit. Demand your refund, 1 percent interest, and double damages under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178.
Missouri Security Deposit Demand Letter: Laws & Deadlines
Learn Missouri security deposit law under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300, including the 30-day deadline, double damages, and associate circuit small claims limits.
Nevada Security Deposit Demand Letter Guide | NRS § 118A.242
Learn how Nevada NRS § 118A.242 protects your rental deposit, enforces a 30-day return window, and allows double recovery in small claims court up to $10,000.
New Jersey Security Deposit Demand Letters & 30-Day Rules
Learn how N.J.S.A. § 46:8-21.1 gives New Jersey landlords 30 days to return deposits, when double damages apply, and how to write a demand letter under $5,000.
New York Security Deposit Demand Letters & 14-Day Law
Demand your New York security deposit under GOB § 7-108. Learn the strict 14-day return deadline, 2x punitive damages, and tiered small claims limits.
North Carolina Security Deposit Demand Letter Guide
Demand your North Carolina security deposit under N.C.G.S. § 42-52. Learn the 30-day deadline, county court limits from $5,000 to $10,000, and required notice.
Ohio Security Deposit Demand Letters: ORC § 5321.16
Ohio security deposit law gives landlords 30 days under ORC § 5321.16. Learn how itemized deductions, 2x penalties, and $6,000 small claims limits work.
Oregon Security Deposit Demand Letters and ORS 90.300
Learn how ORS 90.300 governs Oregon security deposits, including the 31-day return deadline, itemized deductions, and the 2x penalty in small claims court.
Pennsylvania Security Deposit Law & Demand Letters
Under 68 P.S. § 250.512, Pennsylvania landlords have 30 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list. Missed deadlines can trigger double damages.
South Carolina Security Deposit Demand Letters & Law
Learn how S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410 governs security deposits in South Carolina, the 30-day return rule, 3x treble damages, and Magistrates Court limits.
Tennessee Security Deposit Laws and Demand Letter Guide
Recover your Tennessee security deposit. Learn the 14-day notice rule under § 66-28-501(a), the 17-county limit, and how to file for up to $25,000 in court.
Texas Security Deposit Demand Letters (30-Day Rule)
Texas landlords have 30 days under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 to return your security deposit. Learn how the 3x penalty works in Justice Court up to $20,000.
Virginia Security Deposit Demand Letters and 45-Day Rules
Virginia Code § 55.1-1226 requires landlords to return deposits within 45 days. Learn how to demand your money or file in small claims court for up to $5,000.
Washington Security Deposit Demand Letters Under RCW 59.18.280
Under RCW 59.18.280, Washington landlords have 30 days to return your deposit. Learn how to demand your money and pursue up to $10,000 in small claims.
Wisconsin Security Deposit Demand Letter: Law & Penalties
Learn Wisconsin security deposit rules under Wis. Stat. 704.28 & ATCP 134. Demand your deposit, claim double damages, and avoid unlawful repair charges.
Read the security deposit law itself, state by state →