All 15 states side by side
| State | Deposit maximum | Return deadline | Late fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1 month’s rent (2 for some small landlords) | 21 days | No set cap; must be reasonable |
| Texas | No limit | 30 days, once the tenant gives a forwarding address | After 2 full days; 12% of rent is presumed reasonable (10% over 4 units) |
| Florida | No limit | 15 days, or 30 if you claim deductions | No set cap; must be reasonable |
| New York | 1 month’s rent | 14 days | $50 or 5% of rent, whichever is less, after 5 days |
| Illinois | No statewide limit (1.5 months in suburban Cook County) | 30 to 45 days, depending on building and city | No statewide cap; Chicago and suburban Cook County set limits |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months’ rent in year one, then 1 month | 30 days | No set cap; must be reasonable |
| Ohio | No limit (larger deposits earn interest) | 30 days | No statewide cap; some cities set one |
| Georgia | 2 months’ rent | 30 days | No set cap; must be in the lease |
| North Carolina | 2 weeks’ to 2 months’ rent, by tenancy length | 30 days | $15 or 5% of rent, whichever is greater, after a 5-day grace period |
| Michigan | 1.5 months’ rent | 30 days | No set cap; can’t be unconscionable |
| Massachusetts | 1 month’s rent | 30 days | None until rent is 30 days late |
| Washington | No limit (signed move-in checklist required) | 30 days | No set cap; none for rent paid within 5 days |
| Virginia | 2 months’ rent | 45 days | 10% of rent or 10% of the unpaid balance, whichever is less |
| Arizona | 1.5 months’ rent | 14 business days, once the tenant asks | No set cap; must be reasonable and in a written lease |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months’ rent | 30 days | No set cap; 5 business days’ grace for some seniors and benefit recipients |
General information for landlords. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so check the statute or ask a local attorney before you rely on a number here.
Keep the deposit separate from rent
Most deposit disputes come down to records. Note the deposit when it is paid, keep it out of the rent balance, and photograph the unit at move-in and move-out. When the tenant leaves, send the itemized list of deductions before the deadline above. The rent ledger template has a Deposit row type for this.
Rentra keeps move-in and move-out inspections room by room, with photos. When the tenant leaves, AI compares your move-in and move-out notes and suggests deductions for you to approve. See inspections.
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Questions
Which states are covered?
California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Massachusetts, Washington, Virginia, Arizona, New Jersey. Each one comes from our state guide, which shows the statute and the date it was last reviewed.
What if my city has its own rules?
City and county rules can be stricter than state law. Chicago and suburban Cook County, New York City, and several California and Ohio cities all add their own limits. Check your local ordinance as well as the state rule.
Can I charge a late fee if my state has no cap?
Usually only if the lease says so, and the fee still has to be reasonable. Courts in states without a cap have thrown out fees that look like a penalty rather than a cost of late payment. Put the amount and the grace period in the lease.