How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit?
The short answer
The time a landlord has to return a security deposit after move-out varies by state. California's courts guide describes a 21-day window after the tenant moves out; the Texas State Law Library describes a 30-day deadline under Property Code §92.103 from the date the tenant surrenders the premises. New York's HSTPA, as described by the NY AG, generally requires return within 14 days with an itemized statement for any deductions. Most states also require an itemized list of deductions within the same window; failing to provide one within the deadline can affect what the landlord may keep. Your lease may promise a shorter window than the state requires. Scan your lease and check your state's specific deadline before move-out.
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What the deposit-return clause usually does
The clause sets the deadline for returning the deposit and any itemized deduction statement. State law generally sets a floor — the landlord must return within the statutory window — and some leases promise a shorter timeline. What starts the clock varies: some states count from move-out date, others from when the tenant provides a forwarding address.
Texas Property Code §92.107, as described by the TX SLL, notes that the landlord is not obligated to return the deposit until the tenant provides a written forwarding address — though the tenant does not lose the right to a refund by failing to do so. That forwarding-address step is worth taking promptly after move-out.
Why people worry
Tenants report not knowing when the clock starts, waiting past what they thought was the deadline, and receiving no itemization with the partial return. The practical concern is both the timeline and whether a missed deadline has any consequence for the landlord.
What to look for in your lease
- The stated return deadline in the lease — and whether it is shorter than your state's minimum.
- What triggers the clock — move-out date, key return, or written forwarding address.
- Whether the lease requires an itemized statement with receipts or just a list of deductions.
- The deposit amount and where it is held, in case you need to follow up.
- Any pre-move-out inspection process described in the lease or your state's official guide.
Questions to ask before signing
- Ask the landlord to confirm the return deadline and what triggers the clock.
- Ask the other party to clarify whether a forwarding address is required to start the return window.
- Confirm whether an itemized statement will accompany any deductions.
- Consider having the lease reviewed if the return process or itemization requirements are vague.
Why scan instead of guess
The general rule tells you the baseline. Your lease tells you what you’re actually being asked to sign — and the wording is what binds. Dang reads the document and flags the clauses worth reviewing, in plain English.
The deterministic engine scores and decides what’s risky. The AI only enriches the plain-English wording — AI extracts, code decides, never the other way around.
For leases, Dang checks common statutory risk areas such as security deposit caps, entry notice, late-fee limits, deposit return deadlines, and deposit interest using jurisdiction-specific source tables; where a state has no statutory rule, findings are labeled as benchmark-based.
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Common questions
What happens if a landlord misses the return deadline?
Official state resources describe consequences that vary by state — some states provide that a landlord who misses the deadline or fails to itemize loses the right to retain any portion of the deposit; others allow the tenant to pursue damages. The TX SLL, CA courts guide, and NY AG resources each describe the relevant consequences for their states.
Does the clock start when I hand in the keys or when I give a forwarding address?
It depends on the state. Texas ties the obligation partly to receiving a written forwarding address from the tenant. California counts from the move-out date. Your state's rules and your lease's language together determine when the clock starts.
Sources
- California Courts Self-Help Guide — Security Deposits (official court resource) · official source
- Texas State Law Library — Landlord/Tenant Law: Security Deposits (official government library guide) · official source
- Sources last checked 2026-06-11. Laws and market practices change — confirm current rules before relying on them.
No account required · File deleted after analysis · Not legal advice. Dang reports contract findings in plain English — general information, not legal advice about your situation. For consequential decisions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.