Renters' rights by state, straight from the statute
Renters' rights by state, checked against the statute text: security deposits, late fees and notice periods. Each rule links to the official text so you can show it to your landlord.
States
- FloridaDeposit back in 15 days, or a certified-mail claim notice within 30 days.
- New YorkDeposit capped at one month’s rent; itemized return within 14 days.
- TexasRefund within 30 days once you give a forwarding address; bad faith costs $100 plus 3× the amount withheld.
- WashingtonNo deposit without a signed move-in checklist; full statement and refund within 30 days.
- OhioItemized deductions within 30 days; 5% interest on larger deposits held 6+ months.
- North CarolinaDeposit capped at 1.5–2 months’ rent; itemized refund within 30 days.
- MichiganCap of 1.5 months’ rent; give a forwarding address within 4 days; double damages if the landlord fails.
- ArizonaCap of 1.5 months’ rent; itemized refund within 14 business days; twice the amount wrongly withheld.
More states are added as each statute is checked.
Guides
- Late Fee Limits on Rent: Texas 10–12%, New York $50 or 5%, North Carolina $15 or 5%How much a landlord can charge for late rent in Texas, New York and North Carolina, when the fee can start (2 or 5 days), and what happens if the landlord overcharges. Each rule with its statute section.
- How Much Notice to End a Month-to-Month Lease? 8 States ComparedNotice periods for ending a month-to-month tenancy in Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan and Arizona, from 7 days to one month, each with the statute section and how the end date is counted.
Calculators
Renter glossary
- Security depositMoney a tenant pays up front to secure performance of the lease, returned at move-out minus lawful deductions.
- Normal wear and tearDeterioration from ordinary, intended use of a rental. Landlords may not deduct it from your deposit.
- Security deposit return deadlineThe number of days a landlord has after move-out to return the deposit or explain deductions.
- Itemized list of deductionsThe landlord’s written, item-by-item explanation of what was kept from your deposit and why.