Get my security deposit back
See the deadlines your landlord must meet, what they can and can't keep, and prepare a demand letter you review and send yourself.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
State law sets how long a landlord has to return a security deposit after you move out, and how they must explain anything they keep. If those rules aren't followed, a clear written demand is usually the first step.
Your rights in plain language
Deadlines for returning the deposit
California
21 days from the date you move out
Verified source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 — Security deposits(opens in a new tab)
Florida
15 days from the end (termination) of the rental agreement, if the landlord makes no claim on the deposit
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 — Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant(opens in a new tab)30 days from the end (termination) of the rental agreement, to send notice of a claim by certified mail
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 — Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant(opens in a new tab)
New York
14 days from the date you move out
Verified source: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide(opens in a new tab)
Texas
30 days from the date you move out (surrender the premises)
Verified source: Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies(opens in a new tab)
Deductions must be explained
Florida
15 days from the date you receive the landlord's notice of a claim
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 — Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant(opens in a new tab)
New York
If the landlord keeps any of the deposit for damage, they must give you an itemized receipt within 14 days of move-out, or return the whole deposit.
Verified source: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide(opens in a new tab)
Limits on deposits
California
A landlord generally can't ask for a security deposit of more than one month's rent.
Verified source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 — Security deposits(opens in a new tab)
New York
A security deposit can be no more than one month's rent.
Verified source: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide(opens in a new tab)
Forwarding address
Texas
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107. The landlord doesn't have to refund the deposit or describe deductions until you give a written forwarding address.
Verified source: Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies(opens in a new tab)
The law that applies
Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Florida's security deposit law: how deposits are held, and the deadlines for returning them or claiming deductions.
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49 — Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenant(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Place | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | Landlord must return the deposit: 21 days (the date you move out) | |
| Florida | Landlord returns the deposit (if not claiming any of it): 15 days (the end (termination) of the rental agreement, if the landlord makes no claim on the deposit) | |
| Florida | Landlord's last day to send a claim notice by certified mail: 30 days (the end (termination) of the rental agreement, to send notice of a claim by certified mail) | |
| Florida | Object to the landlord's claim in writing: 15 days (the date you receive the landlord's notice of a claim) | |
| New York | Landlord must return the deposit: 14 days (the date you move out) | |
| Texas | Landlord must return the deposit: 30 days (the date you move out (surrender the premises)) |
The official process
Give your forwarding address
Tell your landlord in writing where to send the deposit.
Wait for the state deadline
Your landlord must return the deposit, or explain deductions, within the time your state allows.
Send a written demand
If the deadline passes or deductions are wrong, send a letter citing the law and asking for payment by a date.
Consider small claims court
If you still aren't paid, small claims court is designed for people to use without a lawyer.
Common mistakes
- Not giving a forwarding address in writing.
- Moving out without dated photos of the home.
- Missing your own deadline to object to a landlord's claim.
- Asking only by phone, with no written record.
Rules where you live
- Get my security deposit back in California
- Get my security deposit back in Florida
- Get my security deposit back in New York
- Get my security deposit back in Texas
Somewhere else? Start the guided questions and choose your state: we'll show free information and people who can help.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalized results are free. If you want us to prepare a demand letter for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Can my landlord charge for normal wear and tear?
Generally no: deposits cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal use. Your state's rules on this page set out what must be explained and when.
Which states can you prepare a letter for?
Right now: Florida, California, New York and Texas. For other states we show free information and people who can help.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- LawHelp.orgPlain-language guides and legal aid directories, by state.
- Legal Services Corporation: find legal aidFree civil legal aid organizations in every state, for people on lower incomes.
- Florida Law HelpFree legal information and legal aid offices in Florida.
- LawHelpNYFree legal information and legal aid programs in New York.
- TexasLawHelp.orgFree legal information, forms and legal aid offices in Texas.
- California Courts Self-Help GuideThe California courts' official guides to handling a legal problem yourself.
- New York Attorney GeneralConsumer and tenant complaints, and guides to your rights in New York.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 — Security depositsCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Fla. Stat. § 83.49 — Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and tenantThe Florida Senate · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Residential Tenants' Rights GuideOffice of the New York State Attorney General · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential TenanciesTexas Legislative Council · checked Oct 24, 2026
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