Security Deposit Laws by State
Compare security deposit return deadlines, itemization rules and small claims limits in every US state, with a free demand letter for each.
Write your security deposit demand letter| State | Return deadline | Itemized list | Small claims limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 days | Required | $6,000 |
| Alaska | See statute | Required | $10,000 |
| Arizona | See statute | Required | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | 60 days | Required | $5,000 |
| California | 21 days | Required | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 30 days | Required | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | 21 days | Required | $5,000 (deposit claims may exceed this when doubled) |
| Delaware | 20 days | Required | $25,000 (Justice of the Peace Court) |
| District of Columbia | 45 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Florida | 15 days | Required | $8,000 |
| Georgia | 30 days | Required | $15,000 (magistrate court) |
| Hawaii | 14 days | Required | No dollar limit for security deposit cases ($5,000 for other claims) |
| Idaho | 21 days | Required | $15,000 |
| Illinois | 45 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 45 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Iowa | 30 days | Required | $6,500 |
| Kansas | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Kentucky | See statute | Required | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | See statute | Required | $5,000 |
| Maine | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 45 days | Required | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | Required | $7,000 |
| Michigan | 30 days | Required | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 21 days | Required | $20,000 (conciliation court) |
| Mississippi | 45 days | Required | $3,500 (justice court) |
| Missouri | 30 days | Required | $5,000 |
| Montana | 30 days | Required | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | 14 days | Required | $7,500 |
| Nevada | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 30 days | Required | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| New York | 14 days | Required | $10,000 in New York City ($5,000 in most other city courts) |
| North Carolina | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | 30 days | Required | $15,000 |
| Ohio | 30 days | Required | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | 45 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 31 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | Required | $12,000 (magisterial district court) |
| Rhode Island | 20 days | Required | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 30 days | Required | $7,500 (magistrate court) |
| South Dakota | 21 days | Required | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | See statute | Required | $25,000 (general sessions court) |
| Texas | 30 days | Required | $20,000 (justice court) |
| Utah | 30 days | Required | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 14 days | Required | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 45 days | Required | $5,000 (small claims division of general district court) |
| Washington | 30 days | Required | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 60 days | Required | $20,000 (magistrate court) |
| Wisconsin | 21 days | Required | $10,000, rising to $15,000 on January 1, 2027 |
| Wyoming | 30 days | Required | $6,000 |
Rows marked on their own page as not yet verified are drafts — always check the official source. FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.