Getting your security deposit back

• ✺A security deposit is often a significant amount of money that you're entitled to get back if you meet your lease obligations.
• ✺Many states have specific legal deadlines and penalties for landlords who don't return deposits properly.
• ✺Documenting the unit's condition protects you from unfair deductions.

1. 1Review your lease and any move-in checklist or photos for reference.
2. 2Clean the unit thoroughly and repair minor tenant-caused damage before moving out.
3. 3Take dated photos or videos of every room once it's empty and clean.
4. 4Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing.
5. 5Wait for your state's required return timeframe, then follow up in writing if you haven't received the deposit or an itemized statement.
6. 6If deductions seem unfair or the deposit isn't returned, consider a written dispute or small claims court.

Itemized deduction statement

A list a landlord provides showing specific reasons and costs for amounts withheld from a deposit.

Normal wear and tear

Expected, gradual deterioration from regular use, which tenants generally can't be charged for.

Forwarding address

The new address where you want your deposit and mail sent after moving out.

Small claims court

A simplified court process for resolving disputes involving relatively small amounts of money, often without needing a lawyer.

• ✗Not taking photos of the unit's condition before and after your tenancy.
• ✗Forgetting to give your landlord a forwarding address.
• ✗Not knowing your state's required deposit return timeframe.
• ✗Accepting unfair deductions without asking for an explanation or documentation.

• !Most states require landlords to return deposits (or an itemized deduction list) within a set number of days, often 14–30, though this varies.
• !Some states impose penalties on landlords who don't follow deposit return rules, sometimes multiplying the amount owed.
• !Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, faded paint) generally can't be deducted from your deposit.
• !Small claims court can be a realistic, low-cost option if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit.

• Clean and repair the unit, then document its condition with photos before leaving.
• Give your landlord a forwarding address so they can send your deposit.
• Know your state's required return timeframe and follow up if it's missed.
• Dispute unfair deductions in writing, and consider small claims court if needed.

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

1. 1.Locate any move-in photos or checklist you have for comparison.
2. 2.Look up your state's security deposit return deadline and rules.

Related lessons:

• Moving out for the first time
• What tenants are responsible for
• Moving checklists

• Renting a home
  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)(opens in a new tab)
• Tenant rights, laws and protections by state
  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)(opens in a new tab)