The short answer: it depends on your state. There is no single national deadline for returning a security deposit. Each state sets its own, and some states run two deadlines, one for returning the money and one for telling you about deductions.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your lease and local rules may add requirements. Check the linked official source for your state, or talk to a qualified local advisor about your situation.
Deadlines in five states
These are the deadlines in the five states we have checked against the official statutes. Follow the link in the last column for the full rules in each state.
| State | Deadline | What starts the clock | State guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Itemized statement and any remaining deposit no later than 21 calendar days (Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1)) | You vacate the premises | California rules |
| New York | Itemized statement and remaining deposit within 14 days (GOL § 7-108(1-a)(e)) | You vacate the premises | New York's 14-day rule |
| Texas | Refund, with a written list of any deductions, on or before the 30th day (Prop. Code §§ 92.103(a), 92.104) | You surrender the premises; a written forwarding address also matters (see below) | Texas rules |
| Florida | 15 days if the landlord makes no claim; written notice of any claim within 30 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(a)) | The rental agreement ends | Florida rules |
| Illinois | Itemized damage statement with receipts within 30 days; if none is sent, the full deposit within 45 days (765 ILCS 710/1(a)) | You vacate, or your right of possession ends, whichever is later (for the 30-day statement) | Illinois rules |
For interest, deposit caps, and more detail, see security deposit rules by state. We haven't listed other states here because we only include deadlines we have checked in the official statute. If your state isn't in the table, look up its deposit statute on your state legislature's website.
What starts the clock
The deadline only makes sense once you know the start date. In these five states, the trigger is tied to the end of your tenancy, but the wording differs.
Moving out, or surrendering the home
California and New York count from the day you vacate the premises (§ 1950.5(h)(1); GOL § 7-108(1-a)(e)). Texas counts from "the date the tenant surrenders the premises" (§ 92.103(a)). Florida counts from the termination of the rental agreement (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
Illinois uses whichever date is later: the day you vacated, or the day your right of possession ends (765 ILCS 710/1(a)). If you move out early but your lease runs another month, the 30-day statement deadline may run from the later date.
Because the start date matters, write down the day you handed back the keys and how you did it. A dated message to your landlord ("I returned the keys today and have moved out") gives you a clear record.
Your forwarding address
Some states connect the deadline to your forwarding address.
- Texas: the landlord isn't obligated to return the deposit or send the written list of deductions until you give a written statement of your forwarding address. But you don't forfeit your right to the refund, or to the itemized list, just because you didn't give one (§ 92.107).
- Illinois: the landlord sends the statement to your last known address or a verified email address you provided. If you don't give the landlord a mailing or email address, the landlord isn't held liable for damages or penalties that result from that failure (765 ILCS 710/1(a)).
- Florida: the landlord's notice of a claim goes by certified mail to your last known mailing address, or by email as the statute allows (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
Whatever your state, giving your landlord a forwarding address in writing, and keeping a copy, is a simple step that helps the process move.
What the landlord has to send
A deadline usually covers more than the money. In most of these states, the landlord must also explain any deductions in writing:
- California: an itemized statement of the deposit and how it was used. Copies of receipts or invoices are generally required, unless repair and cleaning deductions total $125 or less (§ 1950.5(h)(1)–(4)).
- New York: an itemized statement of the basis for any amount kept (GOL § 7-108(1-a)(e)).
- Texas: a written description and itemized list of all deductions. There is a narrow exception when you owe rent at move-out and there's no dispute about the amount (§ 92.104).
- Florida: a written notice of the landlord's intention to impose a claim, with the reason. You then have 15 days after receiving it to object in writing (§ 83.49(3)(a)–(b)).
- Illinois: an itemized statement of damage with the estimated or actual cost, with paid receipts or copies. If the landlord gave estimates, receipts follow within 30 days (765 ILCS 710/1(a)).
What happens if the deadline is missed
The consequences differ by state. Some examples from the statutes:
- New York: a landlord who doesn't provide the statement and deposit within 14 days "shall forfeit any right to retain any portion of the deposit" (GOL § 7-108(1-a)(e)).
- Florida: a landlord who doesn't send written notice within the 30-day period "forfeits the right to impose a claim upon the security deposit," though the landlord may still sue for damages after returning the deposit (§ 83.49(3)(a)).
- Texas: a landlord who doesn't return the deposit or provide the itemized list by the 30th day is presumed to have acted in bad faith. A landlord who in bad faith keeps a deposit can be liable for $100, three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees (§ 92.109).
- Illinois: if a court finds the landlord refused to supply the statement or supplied it in bad faith, and didn't return the deposit on time, the landlord can be liable for twice the deposit due, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees (765 ILCS 710/1(c)).
- California: bad-faith retention can lead to statutory damages under the section (§ 1950.5). See our California guide for the details.
These rules apply in specific circumstances, and courts decide how they apply. Use them to understand the timeline, not to predict an outcome.
What to do while you wait
1. Mark the deadline for your state on a calendar, counting from the right start date. 2. Send your forwarding address in writing if you haven't already, and keep a copy. 3. Gather your move-in and move-out records: photos, the move-in condition list, repair requests, and the date you returned the keys. The security deposit evidence checklist walks through it. 4. If the deadline passes, send a short, polite written request that names the move-out date, the deadline in your state, and where to send the refund. 5. If you receive deductions you disagree with, compare them with your photos and reply in writing. Our guide to normal wear and tear explains how state laws treat wear versus damage.
The easiest time to prepare is before you move out. Our move-out checklist covers the last week, and the rental damage photo checklist covers the photos. If you're just moving in, start with the move-in checklist or the move-in inspection checklist.
A record that's ready when you need it
An organized, dated record makes a deduction list easy to review rather than easy to dispute. RentSeal is one way to keep that record: move-in photos organized by room, issues logged with dates, and an evidence pack you can export as a PDF or share as a read-only link if your deposit is ever disputed. It doesn't change your state's deadline or decide any disagreement. It keeps your records in one place.
Ask for it in writing
If the deadline has passed or you disagree with a deduction, put it in writing. Our free security deposit demand letter writes a polite, dated letter that names your state's law, lists each charge you dispute and asks for the money or for receipts within a set number of days. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Sources
- California Civil Code § 1950.5, California Legislative Information: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1950.5 (Last checked: September 28, 2026)
- New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, NYS Senate Open Legislation: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/7-108 (Last checked: September 28, 2026)
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92, Subchapter C, Texas Constitution and Statutes: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm (Last checked: September 28, 2026)
- Florida Statutes § 83.49, Online Sunshine, The Florida Legislature: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.49.html (Last checked: September 28, 2026)
- Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710, Illinois General Assembly: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=2202&ChapterID=62 (Last checked: September 28, 2026)
Before you act
This is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and rules change, and your lease or local rules may add requirements. For your situation, read your state's guide and the linked official source, or speak with a qualified local advisor.