Frequently asked questions
Common questions about security deposit returns, deadlines, and tenant rights.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
It depends on your state. Most states require landlords to return security deposits within 14 to 60 days after you move out. For example, California requires 21 days, Texas allows 30 days, New York gives landlords 14 days, and Florida allows 15-30 days depending on whether you dispute deductions. Use our calculator to find your exact deadline.
What happens if my landlord misses the deadline?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, they may owe you penalties. Many states allow tenants to recover penalty damages, which can include double or triple the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees, if the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit. Some states automatically forfeit the landlord's right to make any deductions if they miss the deadline.
Can my landlord deduct cleaning or repair costs?
Landlords can deduct for damages beyond normal wear and tear, but they must provide an itemized list of deductions. They generally cannot charge for routine cleaning (unless you left the unit excessively dirty), minor scuffs on walls, or worn carpet from normal use. If deductions seem unfair, the deadline still applies to when they must notify you.
What counts as normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, faded paint, and minor marks around door handles or light switches. Damage beyond normal wear includes large holes in walls, stained or burned carpet, broken fixtures, or excessive filth requiring professional cleaning.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free. Email reminders, deadline records, demand letters, and small claims guides — all free, no account required.
Do I need to give my landlord a forwarding address?
Most states require tenants to provide a forwarding address to receive their deposit. Some states extend the deadline if you don't provide one, while others require landlords to mail it to your last known address. It's always best to provide a forwarding address in writing.
What if my landlord sends an itemized list but no money?
If your landlord provides an itemized deduction list claiming the entire deposit, review it carefully. They must justify each deduction with specific damages beyond normal wear and tear. If you believe the deductions are unfair or fraudulent, you can dispute them and potentially recover the deposit plus penalties in small claims court.
Can I take my landlord to small claims court?
Yes, small claims court is the most common venue for security deposit disputes. Filing fees are typically $30-75, you don't need a lawyer, and you can often recover the filing fee if you win. The process usually takes 1-2 months from filing to judgment.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep photos/videos of the unit at move-in and move-out, your lease agreement, any correspondence with your landlord about the deposit, receipts for cleaning or repairs you did, and documentation of your forwarding address notification. Our deadline record provides timestamped proof of when you calculated your deadline.
Does the deadline start from my lease end date or move-out date?
In most states, the deadline starts from when you actually vacate the unit and return the keys—not necessarily the lease end date. If you move out early or stay past your lease end, the deadline typically runs from your actual move-out date.
What if I broke my lease early?
Breaking your lease doesn't forfeit your right to a deposit return. Your landlord can deduct for unpaid rent or costs to re-rent the unit (depending on state law), but they must still return any remaining deposit within the legal deadline and provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Are the deadlines different for commercial leases?
Yes, commercial lease deposit rules often differ from residential ones and may not have the same statutory deadlines or penalty provisions. This calculator is designed for residential tenants. Commercial tenants should review their lease terms and consult with an attorney.
Does Deposit Deadline fill out the official small claims forms for me?
Yes. Deposit Deadline auto-fills the official small claims court forms with your case data. For NYC, this includes the CIV-SC-50 Statement of Claim and the CIV-GP-15-i Fee Waiver Application — the same forms a clerk would hand you at the courthouse. The forms are auto-filled with your claimant info, defendant info, claim amount, and cause of action, then output as ready-to-print PDFs. You review, print, sign, and file.
Does Deposit Deadline tell me which court to file in?
Yes. Deposit Deadline determines your exact filing court based on your rental property address. For NYC, this includes the specific borough court name, address, and filing details. You also receive personalized filing instructions for your court location, including what to bring and how to submit your forms.
Does Deposit Deadline generate a fee waiver form?
Yes. Deposit Deadline auto-fills the official fee waiver form (CIV-GP-15-i for NYC) with your information. If you qualify for low-income assistance, you can submit the fee waiver alongside your Statement of Claim to request that the court waive the filing fee.
Can Deposit Deadline determine my exact filing jurisdiction based on my address?
Yes. When you enter your rental property address, Deposit Deadline determines the exact jurisdiction and filing court for your small claims case. For NYC, this means identifying the correct borough court from all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island — along with court-specific filing instructions.
Is Deposit Deadline only for demand letters, or does it prepare court paperwork too?
Deposit Deadline handles the full deposit recovery workflow — from deadline calculation through official court form generation. It generates demand letters, and if the demand letter doesn't resolve your case, it auto-fills the official small claims court forms (Statement of Claim and Fee Waiver), determines your exact filing court, and provides personalized filing instructions. It's an end-to-end pre-filing paperwork engine for security deposit disputes.
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