Rent and Security Deposits

Paying your rent is probably the simplest part of renting a house or apartment, assuming you have the money; you simply pay the rent according to these terms set in the rental agreement. However, it is a very important part of the rental arrangement, and there are a set of laws that solely address the paying of rent and security deposits. Below you will find information on rent and rent control, as well as in-depth tips on paying security deposits, how to protect your security deposit, and more. For a list of things to keep in mind when renting a home, you can download and print FindLaw's Guide to Renting [pdf].

Learn About Rent and Security Deposits

Security Deposit Basics
An overview of the laws governing security deposits. Learn about the differences between security deposits and last month’s rent, the requirements landlords must meet when returning the security deposit, and more.
Security Deposit Limits
A list of the limits states place on the amount of security deposits. Find your state’s law to determine whether you may require one month’s rent, two month’s rent, three month’s rent, or as much as you want for a deposit.
What Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit?
Landlords can typically deduct the cost of any damage or excessive dirtiness from the security deposit. This section explains what can and can’t be deducted from a security deposit and much more.

Security Deposit Return Timelines
A guide to help landlords determine when a security deposit must be returned to a former tenant. Find your state’s law to learn about whether you have as little as two weeks or unlimited time to return the security deposit.
The Difference Between Last Month's Rent and a Security Deposit
An explanation of the key differences between a security deposit and last month’s rent. Learn about what a security deposit may be used for, what last month’s rent may be used for, and more in this article.
Rent and Security Deposit Tips
A collection of articles and resources to help you understand your rights and obligations regarding rent and security deposits. This section provides a number of links on rent and security deposits, including state-specific information.

Rent and Security Deposits Articles