Use our free security deposit estimator tool to find out how much of your deposit should come back, when it’s due, and what penalties apply if your landlord is late. Select your state below — results are instant and based on verified state law.
How to Use This Security Deposit Estimator Tool
Step 1: Select your state and enter your deposit amount. Every state has different deposit caps, return deadlines, and penalty rules. The security deposit estimator tool covers all 50 states with data verified against primary state statutes as of June 2026.
Step 2: Enter your monthly rent and move-out date. The tool checks whether your deposit exceeded your state’s legal cap and calculates the exact date your landlord’s return deadline expires.
Step 3: Enter any deductions your landlord claimed. The tool breaks down your deposit minus claimed deductions, shows what you’re owed back, and tells you the penalty your landlord faces if they miss the deadline or act in bad faith.
Security Deposit Estimator
Find out how much of your deposit should come back, when it's due, and what penalties apply if your landlord is late.
Verify with your state court or a local legal-aid office before acting.
What Your Results Include
The security deposit estimator tool gives you a complete breakdown of your deposit situation in your state. You’ll see the exact dollar amount your landlord should return, the calendar date the return deadline falls on, whether your deposit exceeded the state’s legal cap, and — if your landlord is late or acts in bad faith — the penalty damages you may be entitled to under your state’s law.
States with strong penalty rules (like Massachusetts with mandatory 3x damages, Texas with 3x plus $100, and Colorado with treble damages) are highlighted prominently so you know your leverage. If your state requires the landlord to pay interest on the deposit, that’s flagged too with the specific rate or rule.
Every result includes the primary statute citation, a link to your full state deposit guide, and a link to find free legal aid. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted — only actual damage, unpaid rent, and specifically allowed charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the security deposit estimator tool?
Every figure in this tool was verified against the primary state statute or official court resource as of June 2026. Deposit caps, return deadlines, penalty multipliers, and interest rules were cross-checked against Nolo, state legislature websites, and state legal-aid sources. However, some cities have stricter local rules (especially in California, Illinois, and New York), so always verify with your local court or a legal-aid office.
Does this security deposit estimator tool give legal advice?
No. This tool provides general legal information based on state statutes. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If your landlord is withholding your deposit, you can also check your eviction timeline. Contact a local tenant rights attorney or a free legal-aid organization in your state.
What counts as “normal wear and tear” that can’t be deducted?
Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes, light carpet wear from everyday use, faded paint, and worn door handles. Landlords cannot charge you for these. Deductible damage includes large holes in walls, broken fixtures, pet damage, stains, and missing items. The security deposit estimator tool calculates based on what your landlord claims — if you believe a deduction is unfair, you can dispute it.
What happens if my landlord misses the return deadline?
In most states, a landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to make deductions and must return the full deposit. Many states impose penalty damages of 2x or 3x the amount wrongfully withheld. Texas adds a $100 statutory penalty plus 3x damages. Massachusetts imposes mandatory triple damages for any violation. The tool shows your state’s specific penalty and calculates the potential amount.
Does my landlord owe me interest on the deposit?
About 14 states require landlords to pay interest on security deposits under certain conditions. Massachusetts requires 5% per year, Minnesota requires 1% per year, and Connecticut requires the passbook savings rate or 1.5% (whichever is higher). Other states only require interest if the landlord owns a certain number of units or holds the deposit for a minimum period. The tool flags your state’s interest rule if one applies.
Sources
All security deposit data in this tool is sourced from primary state statutes and Nolo’s legal reference charts (updated 2023–2026), cross-checked against state court self-help portals and iPropertyManagement’s 2026 deposit law database. For the most current version of any state law, visit your state legislature’s website or consult a licensed attorney.
External resources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) · Legal Services Corporation — Find Free Legal Aid
Informational only — not legal advice. Laws change and may vary by city or county. Verify with your state court or a local legal-aid office before acting.