Every state sets a deadline — usually 14, 21, or 30 days — for a landlord to return a security deposit or provide an itemized statement of lawful deductions. Missing that deadline is often a statutory violation, and in many states the tenant can recover multiple damages plus costs.
What to do first
Send a written demand — not a text, not a phone call. Include the address of the rental, your move-out date, your forwarding address, and the amount owed. Attach the move-in and move-out condition reports if you have them.
Deductions your landlord can lawfully make
- Unpaid rent
- Actual damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (documented with receipts)
- Cleaning that goes beyond typical turnover
Deductions your landlord cannot lawfully make
- Ordinary wear and tear (faded paint, small nail holes, worn carpet)
- Improvements or upgrades unrelated to your tenancy
- Blanket "cleaning fees" without itemization, in most states
What a demand letter accomplishes here
It documents your notice, states the statutory deadline that was missed, and puts the landlord on notice that continued delay may expose them to multi-damage penalties. In most cases, the deposit arrives within days of the letter.