Security Deposit Return Deadlines by State
How long a landlord has to return a security deposit — or send an itemized statement of deductions — after a tenant moves out, with the statute behind each rule. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Return / itemization deadline | Itemization requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | 21 days after move-out | Itemized statement required when deductions are taken; receipts/invoices generally required when repairs or cleaning exceed $125. | California Civil Code 1950.5 and California Courts self-help guide |
| Texas (TX) | 30 days after surrender, subject to forwarding-address rules | Written description and itemized list required when any portion is retained. | Texas Property Code Sections 92.103 and 92.104 |
| New York (NY) | 14 days after the tenant vacates | Itemized statement required for any retained amount; missing the deadline can forfeit retention rights. | New York General Obligations Law 7-108 |
| Florida (FL) | 15 days for full return if no claim; 30 days to send notice of claim | Written notice of intent to impose a claim must be sent within the statutory period when deductions are claimed. | Florida Statutes Section 83.49 |
| Washington (WA) | 30 days after termination and vacation, or after learning of abandonment | Full and specific statement plus required documentation for retained amounts. | RCW 59.18.280 |
| Oregon (OR) | 31 days after tenancy terminates and possession is delivered | Written accounting required for any amount retained. | ORS 90.300 |
| Illinois (IL) | Depends on local/state coverage; many residential rules use 30 or 45 day frameworks | Itemization and receipt timing can depend on building size and local rules. | Illinois Security Deposit Return Act and Attorney General tenant resources |
| New Jersey (NJ) | 30 days after lease termination in ordinary cases | Landlord should provide an itemized list of deductions with the returned balance. | New Jersey Department of Community Affairs security deposit bulletin |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | 30 days after surrender and tenant forwarding address | Written list of damages required when retaining any deposit amount. | Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Section 250.512 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 30 days after tenancy ends | Itemized list sworn under pains and penalties of perjury is required for damage deductions. | Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 15B |
Deadlines and itemization rules change and some cities add their own. Always confirm against the linked statute for your state before relying on a date.