Deposit return deadline

Almost every state sets a deadline for the landlord to return your deposit after you move out. In most states the deadline is 14 to 30 days. A few states allow up to 60 days. Your state's guide has the exact number.

Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after you move out. The 30 days start on the day you hand the home back. Some leases say you must give notice before you move out to get your deposit back. That rule counts only if the lease shows it underlined or in bold print.

Massachusetts law requires landlords to return a security deposit — along with any accrued interest — within 30 days of the end of tenancy, or within 30 days of the tenant vacating, whichever is later.

Your landlord has 30 days after your lease ends or you move out to send a written list of claimed damages. The rest of your deposit money must come with that list. Give your landlord your new address in writing when you move out. If you skip this step, the landlord is freed from the refund deadlines outlined.

Once you give written notice of your new address, your landlord has 30 days after the lease ends. They must return the whole deposit, or send a written list of damage and pay the rest. If your landlord does not send a written list of damage within 30 days, they lose the right to keep any of your deposit. They also lose the right to sue you for damage.

After move-out, Washington law requires landlords to return the security deposit or provide a written, itemized statement of deductions within the required timeframe.