Security Deposits

A security deposit is money given to the landlord to provide a fund to pay for unpaid rent and damages that may occur during the term of the lease. During the first year of a lease, the security deposit may not exceed two months of rent. During the second year or more, the deposit may not exceed one month of rent.

You can get your security deposit back. If you provide a written forwarding address, the landlord is required to send you an itemized list of any damages they have deducted and a refund of any unused security deposit within 30 days. The 30-day period usually begins when your lease ends and you’ve turned in your keys and provided your landlord a written forwarding address.

If you think the charges on the repair list are unreasonable, write a letter or email to your landlord. If you are not able to resolve your dispute with your landlord, or if your landlord fails to provide an itemized list or a refund of your security deposit, you have the right to go to court to ask for up to double the amount you believe was improperly withheld.

Click here for a printable handout about getting your security deposit back from the perspective of a landlord.