Hand-verified, citation-backed summaries. Click a state for the full breakdown + a step-by-step playbook for getting your deposit back.
| State | Cap | Return deadline | Double damages? |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1 month's rent | 14 days | YES |
| California | Furnished: 2 months' rent. Unfurnished: 1 month's rent (effective 2024-07-01 per AB 12). | 21 days | YES |
| Texas | No statutory cap. | 30 days | YES |
| Florida | No statutory cap. | 15 days | NO |
| Illinois | No statewide cap. Chicago RLTO has special rules within city limits. | 30 days | YES |
| Massachusetts | 1 month's rent | 30 days | NO |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days | YES |
| Pennsylvania | Year 1: 2 months' rent. Year 2+: 1 month's rent. | 30 days | YES |
| Ohio | No statutory cap. | 30 days | YES |
| Washington | No statutory cap (some cities have local caps). | 30 days | YES |
Some states (like New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania) entitle a tenant whose landlord broke the deposit-return rules to recover more than just the deposit — in some, it's 2× the wrongful retention; in Massachusetts it's 3×. That's why a demand letter that cites the right statute is worth writing carefully.
Coverage will expand. Open a GitHub issue with the state code and I'll prioritize.