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Deposit RecoveryMay 27, 2026
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return Your Security Deposit? Every State’s Deadline
Return deadlines range from 14 days (New York) to 60 days (some states). Here are the exact deadlines for CA, TX, NY, FL, and what happens when landlords miss them.
Every US state has a statute governing how long a landlord has to return a security deposit after the tenant moves out. The deadlines range from as short as 14 days (New York) to as long as 60 days in some states. Missing the deadline often triggers penalties, and in some states, forfeiture of the landlord’s right to make any deductions.
The Four Launch States
• New York: 14 days — N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e)
• Florida: 15 days (no claim) or 30 days (with claim, by certified mail) — Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)
• California: 21 days — Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(e)
• Texas: 30 days after written forwarding address is received — Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103(a)
When the Clock Starts
This varies by state and catches many tenants off guard:
• California, New York, Florida: The clock starts when the tenant vacates (moves out and returns keys).
• Texas: The clock starts when the landlord receives the tenant’s written forwarding address. If you haven’t sent one, the landlord’s deadline hasn’t started yet.
For all states: “vacating” means the tenant has physically moved out AND surrendered the keys or other means of access.
What Happens When They Miss It
• California: Missing the 21-day deadline is commonly considered evidence of bad faith, potentially triggering the 2× penalty under § 1950.5(l).
• Texas: Missing the 30-day deadline exposes the landlord to the $100 + 3× penalty under § 92.109(a).
• New York: Missing the 14-day deadline may result in forfeiture of the right to claim any deductions.
• Florida: Missing the 30-day certified mail deadline explicitly forfeits the landlord’s right to impose any claim against the deposit under § 83.49(3)(c).
What to Do Right Now
Calculate the number of days since you moved out. If the deadline has passed:
1. Send a demand letter citing the specific statute and deadline.
2. Send it by certified mail with return receipt requested.
3. Give the landlord 14–30 days to respond.
4. If no response, file in small claims court.
The demand letter itself is evidence in court that you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing.
Ready to take the next step?
Generate a demand letter or cancellation email sequence grounded in the statutes discussed in this article.
Start your deposit caseThis article provides general information about consumer protection statutes. It does not constitute legal advice and does not evaluate specific claims. Statutes may be amended; verify current law with official sources. Consider consulting a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.