Security Deposit Max Checker

Charging too much for a security deposit can cost you — many states let tenants sue for double or triple the overcharged amount. Enter your state, rent, and the deposit you plan to charge:

State — Select a state — Unit is furnished (relevant in Kansas & California) Tenant has a pet / you're charging a pet deposit (relevant in Nebraska & North Dakota) Tenant is 62+ or disabled (relevant in Connecticut) California small-landlord exception: you own 2 or fewer properties with 4 or fewer total rental units Pennsylvania: this is the FIRST year of the tenancy North Carolina: lease term is longer than month-to-month North Carolina: tenancy is week-to-week Rhode Island: furnished apartment whose furniture replacement value is $5,000 or more Check my deposit

Why this matters

A security deposit above your state's legal maximum isn't just non-compliant — it's leverage for the tenant. In many states (California, Massachusetts, New York, and others) an overcharged deposit can trigger penalty damages of 2–3x the deposit if the tenant takes you to court.

Pet deposits usually count toward the cap. In California, for example, the 1-month maximum includes any pet deposit you collect. A few states explicitly let you add a pet deposit on top — Nebraska, for example, allows an extra quarter month, and North Dakota allows a separate pet deposit up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent — and this checker accounts for that.

Max deposit rules by state (2026)

States with a statutory cap are listed below. States without one have no legal limit on the amount — though holding fees, non-refundable deposits, and other rules still apply.

State	Max deposit	Return deadline & itemization

This is general information, not legal advice. Statutes change; verify your state's current law before setting deposit amounts. Related: Security Deposit Return Deadline Finder · Security Deposit Deduction Letter · Security Deposit Interest Calculator.