Your landlord has your deposit. Here's how to get it back.
Every state has laws requiring landlords to return security deposits within a set deadline. Miss that deadline and they may owe you 2× or 3× the amount. Takes 2 minutes to check.
Has your landlord returned any portion of your deposit?
No — nothing returned
Partial return only
Full return, but no itemized list of deductions
They returned some but I dispute the deductions
Step 4 of 5
Did your landlord send an itemized list of any deductions?
Yes, and it arrived on time
Yes, but it arrived after the deadline
No itemized list at all
Not sure
Step 5 of 5
How much was your security deposit?
Under $500
$500–$1,000
$1,000–$2,000
Over $2,000
Your Action Plan
🔒
Get Your Demand Letter
A state-specific certified mail demand letter with the exact legal language your landlord must respond to. $19 flat fee — far less than an attorney's hourly rate.
State Deposit Recovery Guides
Deep-dive guides for the 10 largest renter states — exact statutes, penalty formulas, landlord tactics, and small claims instructions.
Most states require landlords to return deposits within 14–30 days. Missing the deadline — even by one day — may void their right to make any deductions.
California
21
days to return
Actual damages + $600 penalty
New York
14
days to return
Forfeits right to deductions
Texas
30
days to return
$100 + 3× wrongfully withheld
Florida
15–30
days to return
Forfeits all deductions
Washington
21
days to return
2× deposit + attorney fees
Arizona
14
days to return
2× wrongfully withheld
Massachusetts
30
days to return
3× deposit + attorney fees
Colorado
30–60
days to return
3× wrongfully withheld
How Small Claims Court Works
You don't need a lawyer. Most deposit disputes are exactly what small claims court was designed for.
Step
What Happens
Timeline
Cost
Send demand letter
Give landlord one last chance to pay before filing
Day 1
$0 (we generate it)
File in small claims
Go to your local courthouse, fill out a simple form
Day 15
$30–$100 filing fee
Serve the landlord
Court notifies landlord of hearing date
Day 15–20
$0–$25
Hearing
Judge decides — typically 15 minutes, no lawyers needed
Day 30–60
$0
Collect judgment
If you win, landlord must pay or face wage garnishment
After hearing
Filing fee reimbursed
Demand Letter — $19
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