Free deadline calculator
Security deposit return deadlines by state
How long a landlord has to return a security deposit in California, Texas, Florida, New York and six more states, with a free deadline calculator.
Deadlines in 10 states
| State | Deadline | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| California | 21 days | California Civil Code § 1950.5 |
| Florida | 15 or 30 days | Florida Statutes § 83.49 |
| Georgia | 30 days | Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34) |
| Illinois | 30 or 45 days | Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710 |
| Michigan | 30 days | Michigan Compiled Laws §§ 554.609 and 554.611 |
| New York | 14 days | New York General Obligations Law § 7-108 |
| North Carolina | 30 days | N.C. General Statutes § 42-52 |
| Ohio | 30 days | Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days | Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act, 68 P.S. § 250.512 |
| Texas | 30 days | Texas Property Code §§ 92.103–92.109 |
Other states have their own rules. Checked against official sources on October 9, 2026.
What to do next
- Write down the move-out date, the date you returned the keys and when you gave a forwarding address.
- Collect the lease, proof of the deposit payment, move-out photos and any messages about deductions.
- Ask in writing for the balance or an itemized explanation, with a clear reply date.
- Send it to the notice address in the lease. Certified Mail with Return Receipt gives you proof of delivery.
- If there is still no answer, small claims court is a common next step; filing rules vary by state.
Get a ready-to-send security deposit demand letter
Describe what happened in your own words. DocBrain prepares a formal letter that cites the rule for your state where it applies, with a clear request, a deadline and sending instructions. One payment of $4.99, PDF and Word.
See a fictional sample letter (PDF) first.