Know your rights as a renter.
Plain-English answers to the questions every tenant asks — with the actual state statute right there, so you know we're not making it up.
Try the Security Deposit Calculator →Featured Tool
How long does your landlord have to return your security deposit?
The answer depends on your state — and the laws vary from 14 days (Alaska, Arizona, New York) to 60 days (Alabama, Kentucky, West Virginia). Our calculator tells you exactly when the clock runs out, what your landlord can legally deduct, and what penalty they face if they miss the deadline.
Open the calculator51
Jurisdictions covered — all 50 states plus DC, with the actual statute citation on every page.
Shortest deadline14 days
Longest deadline60 days
Max penalty we've seen3x deposit
Find your state
Security deposit laws, return deadlines, and penalties for every state.
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Why Tenant Know-How?
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No law-firm lead-gen
Most tenant rights sites exist to harvest your contact info for a lawyer. We just answer the question.
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Every claim cites a statute
You'll see the actual law — e.g. “Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5” — on every page, so you can verify.
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