When you move out, your security deposit does not belong to the landlord by default — it is your money, held in trust. Nearly every state sets a hard deadline by which the landlord must either return it or send you an itemized statement of what was deducted and why.
That deadline is the single most important number in deposit disputes. It commonly ranges from 14 to 60 days depending on the state, and the clock usually starts when you move out and provide a forwarding address in writing. Providing that address in writing is often what starts the timer, so do it and keep proof.
Many states add teeth: if the landlord blows the deadline or withholds in bad faith, you may be entitled to penalties — often two or three times the wrongfully withheld amount, plus attorney's fees. Normal wear and tear is never a valid deduction; only actual damage beyond ordinary use is.
The practical move: send a written deposit-return demand that cites your state's deadline and statute, then consider small claims court. Look up your exact deadline and generate a demand letter for your state below.
Look up the rule for your state.
Updated July 2026