How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?

It depends on the state, and sometimes on whether the landlord is making a deduction. The table on this page lists only deadlines we read from an official source. Open the state page for the citation, the source link, and the date we checked it.

What should the letter include?

Your name and address, the landlord's name and address, the rental address, the move-in and move-out dates, the deposit amount, any amount already returned, and a short account of what happened. Ask for a specific sum by a specific date. Do not include a Social Security number or a bank account number.

Does sending a letter mean I will get the deposit back?

No. A letter asks for payment and makes a record. It does not decide a dispute, and this site does not tell you whether to sue.

We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. This tool helps you format a letter using the facts you provide. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or your local legal aid organization.

Home / Security deposit

Security deposit demand letter

A security deposit demand letter asks the landlord to return money you paid at the start of a rental, or to explain any amount that was kept. The deadline is set by state law, and it is not the same everywhere.

The table below covers 10 states whose statutes we read on the official sites linked from each row. Laws change. Local rules, including city ordinances, may add more. This page is not legal advice.

State	Return timing we verified	Checked
California	21 calendar days after the tenant vacates.	2026-11-10
New York	14 days after the tenant vacates, for units covered by § 7-108(1-a).	2026-11-10
Texas	30 days after surrender, unless the forwarding-address rule applies.	2026-11-10
Massachusetts	30 days after the tenancy ends.	2026-11-10
Florida	15 days if there is no claim. 30 days to send a written claim notice if there is a claim.	2026-11-10
Illinois	30 days to itemize damage. 45 days to return the full deposit if that statement is not provided.	2026-11-10
Colorado	30 days by default. A lease may allow up to 60 days.	2026-11-10
Washington	30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates.	2026-11-10
Oklahoma	45 days after termination, delivery of possession, and a written demand.	2026-11-10
Arizona	14 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after termination, return of possession, and a demand.	2026-11-10

Questions people ask first

Draft the letter

Letter type

State

Which letter

Your name

Recipient name

Your address

Recipient address

Rental address

Move-in date

Move-out date

Deposit paid ($)

Already returned ($)

New address given to the landlord?

Date you gave it, if you did

Did you receive an itemized deduction list?

Amount you are asking for ($)

Date of this letter's main event

Days to pay

How they should pay

Name a method such as check or money order. Do not enter account, routing, or card numbers.

Evidence you can attach or describe

Receipts or invoicesPhotosLease or contractTexts or emails

What happened

0 / 1,500 words. Stick to dates, amounts, and what you saw. Do not add a Social Security number or account number.

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