Last updated: October 23, 2026
Landlord Didn't Return Your Security Deposit? Steps to Take
Every state with a deposit statute sets a deadline for returning the deposit or sending an itemized list of deductions. If that date has passed, or the deductions look wrong, these are the steps renters commonly take.
Informational only. This article is general information, not legal advice, and FlagMyLease is not a law firm. Laws vary by state and city and change over time. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or a local legal aid organization.
1. Find your state's deadline
Deadlines differ a lot: 14 days in some states, 30 or more in others, and some depend on whether the landlord is claiming deductions. Use the free deposit deadline lookup or your state's guide in security deposit rules by state.
Also check whether the deadline starts from your move-out date or from when you gave a forwarding address.
2. Gather your records
- the lease and any move-in checklist
- move-in and move-out photos or video
- proof of your forwarding address and move-out date
- any itemized statement or messages from the landlord
3. Send a written request
A short, polite letter or email that:
- states the move-out date and forwarding address
- cites your state's deposit statute and deadline
- asks for the deposit (or the disputed amount) by a specific date
Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
4. Know the next options
If the landlord doesn't respond, tenants in many states can bring the claim in small claims court, which is designed to be used without a lawyer. Some states set penalties for landlords who miss the deadline or withhold in bad faith. Your state's guide lists what the statute says. A local legal aid office or tenant union can also help you decide what to do.
Next time: check the lease first
Deposit disputes often trace back to lease clauses that conflict with state law. FlagMyLease flags those before you sign or move out.