Security deposit — the complete guide

A security deposit is money the tenant pays at the start of a tenancy to cover potential damage or unpaid rent. Every US state regulates how much a landlord can charge, what can be deducted, and how fast the deposit must be returned.

All security deposit topics

Security deposit rules by state coming soon

Limits and return deadlines (50 states).

How much security deposit can a landlord charge? coming soon

State caps and common practice.

Security deposit return coming soon

Process and timelines.

Security deposit deductions coming soon

What landlords can legally deduct.

Security deposit receipt coming soon

Free receipt template.

Pet deposit vs security deposit coming soon

Two separate buckets.

Last month rent vs security deposit coming soon

Why they're not the same.

Security deposit assistance programs coming soon

State and federal help.