How Much of Your Security Deposit Should You Get Back?
Use our free security deposit calculator to estimate your refund in under 2 minutes. Get state-aware renter rights guidance and a move-out checklist designed to protect every dollar you're owed.
50K+
Renters helped
$2M+
Deposits estimated
4.8
Renter rating
Refund estimate
$850 – $1,150
Based on a $1,200 deposit · 18 months tenancy
Suggested next steps
- Request itemized deductions in writing
- Save all move-out photos and messages
- Review your state's deposit return timeline
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Estimate your refund in 2 minutes
Answer a few quick questions about your tenancy and move-out condition. We'll calculate your likely refund range, give you a deposit risk score, and recommend the next steps to help you recover the maximum amount possible.
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Estimated refund
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Fill out the form and tap Estimate My Refund to see your refund range, deposit risk score, and personalized next steps.
- Refund range estimate
- Risk score (Low / Moderate / High)
- Action plan tailored to your situation
How our security deposit calculator works
Our calculator weighs the most common factors landlords use to justify deductions — cleaning condition, photo evidence, pet ownership, length of tenancy, and whether you received a proper itemized notice. It then estimates a realistic refund range and assigns a risk score so you know how strong your case is before you negotiate or file in small claims court. While every state has unique rules, the underlying principles are similar: tenants who document their move-in and move-out condition almost always recover more.
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Know Your Basic Renter Rights
Most renters lose money simply because they don't know what their landlord is and isn't allowed to charge. Here's a plain-English overview of the most important deposit rules, compiled from official state statutes and tenant-rights resources.
Pick your state to see specific deposit deadlines, caps, and penalties.
Deposit return timeline
Most states require landlords to return your deposit (or send an itemized list of deductions) within 14 to 60 days after you move out. Missing this deadline can entitle you to a full refund — and in some states, double or triple damages.
Common allowed deductions
Unpaid rent, repair of actual tenant-caused damage, excessive cleaning beyond reasonable use, and unreturned keys or fobs. These must usually be backed by receipts or invoices.
Common questionable deductions
Routine repainting, full carpet replacement for normal wear, vague 'cleaning fees' without itemization, minor scuffs, and pre-existing damage you can disprove with move-in photos.
Written notice expectations
Most states require an itemized written list of deductions with supporting receipts. If your landlord skips this step, you may be legally entitled to your entire deposit back.
Small claims court reminder
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, small claims court is often the fastest and most affordable path. Many states award 2x or 3x damages for bad-faith withholding.
Rules vary by state
Deposit laws differ significantly across the U.S. — return windows, maximum deposit amounts, and penalty multipliers all vary. Browse our full state directory below for specific guidance.
Browse renter rights by state
Detailed deposit law guides for every U.S. state, sourced from official statutes.
Why renter rights matter at move-out
Security deposits are one of the most common sources of disputes between tenants and landlords. According to consumer surveys, roughly one in four renters reports having had part or all of their deposit unfairly withheld. The single biggest reason isn't landlord wrongdoing — it's that most renters don't know what their landlord is legally allowed to deduct.
Understanding your rights levels the playing field. When you know the deadline your landlord must meet, the type of itemized notice they must send, and the difference between normal wear and tear and actual damage, you're far more likely to recover the full amount you're owed — often without ever stepping into a courtroom.
What Landlords Commonly Deduct From Security Deposits
Knowing what's typically allowed versus what's questionable is the difference between losing your deposit and recovering every dollar. Here are the six most common deductions and how to think about each.
Unpaid rent
Landlords can deduct any rent owed at move-out, including last-month or partial-month rent. This is almost always considered a legitimate deduction.
Excess cleaning fees
If the unit was left dirty beyond normal use, reasonable cleaning costs may be deducted. Generic 'cleaning fees' without itemization can usually be challenged.
Carpet damage
Stains, burns, or pet damage are valid deductions — but normal wear from foot traffic typically isn't your responsibility, especially after long tenancies.
Wall damage
Large holes, unauthorized paint colors, or damage beyond minor scuffs and small nail holes. Patching small holes yourself can prevent these charges entirely.
Missing keys
Costs to replace keys, fobs, or rekey locks if you don't return everything at move-out. Always get a written receipt when handing keys back.
Repairs beyond wear and tear
Broken fixtures, damaged appliances, or anything broken through tenant negligence. Pre-existing issues you documented at move-in should be excluded.
Normal wear and tear is usually different from damage.
Faded paint, minor carpet wear, and small nail holes are typically the landlord's responsibility — they're the natural cost of someone living in the unit. Holes in drywall, broken tiles, large stains, and pet damage usually aren't. If your landlord charges you for normal wear and tear, push back in writing and reference your state's tenant protections.
Simple Move-Out Checklist to Protect Your Deposit
A short list of high-impact actions that strengthen your case for a full refund. Tap each item as you complete it — finishing all six dramatically improves your odds of getting your full deposit back.
The more documentation you keep, the stronger your position if there's a dispute. Photos, dated emails, and signed receipts are your best evidence.
Built for renters, not landlords
GetDepositHero is a free toolkit designed to help everyday tenants understand and recover their security deposit — no signups, no upsells, no fine print.
Estimate your refund
Get a fast, realistic refund range based on your tenancy length, move-out condition, and documentation. No spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Learn your rights
Understand the deposit return timeline, allowed deductions, and what landlords can't legally charge you for under your state's tenant protection laws.
Prepare for disputes
Use our move-out checklist and templates so you're ready to negotiate, send a demand letter, or take your landlord to small claims court.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common security deposit questions from renters across the United States.
Still have questions? Use the calculator above to get a personalized refund estimate and next-step recommendations.
Protect Your Deposit Before Move-Out
Use the calculator, review your renter-rights guidance, and prepare with confidence. Most renters who follow the checklist recover significantly more of their deposit.
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