Question 1

When does the clock start?

Accepted Answer

Florida: the end of the rental agreement (§83.49(3)(a)). New York: the day the tenant vacates (GOL §7-108(1-a)(e)). Texas: the day the tenant surrenders the premises (§92.103(a)). Washington: when the agreement ends and the premises are vacated (RCW 59.18.280(1)). Ohio: termination of the agreement and delivery of possession (§5321.16(B)).

Question 2

Do I need to give a forwarding address?

Accepted Answer

In Texas the landlord need not refund or itemize until you give a written forwarding address, though you do not lose the deposit by failing to give one (§92.107). In Ohio the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing, and without it cannot recover damages or attorney's fees (§5321.16(B)). In every state it is the practical way to get paid.

Question 3

What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, a landlord who does not send the claim notice within 30 days forfeits the right to impose a claim on the deposit, though it may still sue for damages after returning it. In New York, a landlord who misses the 14 days forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit.

Question 4

Does the calculator count weekends and holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida §83.49 and New York §7-108 state these periods in days without excluding weekends or holidays, so the calculator counts calendar days.

State	Deadline	Statute
Florida	15 days to return in full if no claim; 30 days to send a written claim notice; tenant objects within 15 days of receiving it; balance within 30 days of the notice date	§83.49(3)(a)–(b)
New York	14 days after the tenant vacates: itemized statement and remaining deposit	GOL §7-108(1-a)(e)
Texas	30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises; the duty starts once the tenant gives a written forwarding address	Prop. Code §92.103(a), §92.107(a)
Washington	30 days after the agreement ends and the premises are vacated: full and specific statement, documentation and refund	RCW 59.18.280(1)
North Carolina	30 days after termination and delivery of possession; interim accounting allowed, final within 60 days	G.S. §42-52
Michigan	Tenant gives a forwarding address within 4 days; landlord mails itemized damages within 30 days; must sue within 45 days	MCL 554.609–613
Arizona	14 days excluding weekends and legal holidays, after move-out and the tenant's demand	A.R.S. §33-1321(D)
Ohio	30 days after termination and delivery of possession: itemized notice of deductions and the amount due	Rev. Code §5321.16(B)

Security deposit return deadline calculator

Deadlines by state

Common questions

Q. When does the clock start?

Q. Do I need to give a forwarding address?

Q. What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?

Q. Does the calculator count weekends and holidays?