| City (State) | Risk Level | Utility Deductions | Limits & Timeline | Required Procedures | Key Statutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | Low Clear statutes but strict penalties for non-compliance | YES Law explicitly allows retaining deposit for "nonpayment of utility charges" | 2 months' rent max (effective 7/1/2024) 30 days after tenancy ends to refund deposit with itemized statement | Large landlords (>10 units) must hold deposit in escrow or bond and give move-in/out damage lists. All landlords must provide written itemized deductions with any refund. Failure to comply forfeits deposit claim and can trigger triple damages. | O.C.G.A. Title 44, Ch. 7, Art.2 (§§ 44-7-30.1, 44-7-34) |
| Austin, TX | Low Straightforward rules (30-day deadline; broad allowed uses) | YES Any charges the tenant owes under the lease (e.g. unpaid utilities) can be deducted | No state limit on deposit amount 30 days after tenant surrenders possession (and provides a forwarding address) | No statutory escrow or interest required. Tenant must supply a forwarding address in writing (landlord's 30-day clock starts then). Landlord must give an itemized written deduction list with any refund (unless only unpaid rent is owed). Wrongful withholding can make landlord liable for 3× the deposit plus fees. | Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 92.103–92.107 |
| Birmingham, AL | Low Uniform Act provides clear steps (60-day deadline) | NO Statute allows withholding for unpaid rent and damages (per tenant's noncompliance), but does not specifically name utilities | 1 month's rent max (plus added deposit for pets or special risks) 60 days after tenancy termination and move-out to refund or account for deposit | Deposit must be returned with an itemized list of deductions within 60 days. Tenant should provide a forwarding address in writing. Landlord must hold deposit for 90 days if letter to tenant is unclaimed. Noncompliance results in double deposit penalty to tenant. | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
| Charlotte, NC | Moderate Detailed rules (escrow, dual inspections) but statute is explicit | YES Allows withholding for "costs for water or sewer... and electric service" and any unpaid bills that become a lien | Tiered cap: 2 weeks' rent (week-to-week); 1.5 months (month-to-month); 2 months (longer leases) 30 days after tenancy to return deposit with itemized list (if final costs uncertain, interim report in 30 days, final by 60 days) | Deposit must be kept in a trust account or bond and tenant notified within 30 days. Landlord must offer a move-in inspection list and a joint move-out inspection upon request. No deduction allowed for normal wear. Willful failure to comply (escrow or required lists) forfeits landlord's deposit claim and may lead to attorney's fees. | N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-55 |
| Columbus, OH | Moderate Clear 30-day rule; interest rule adds complexity | NO Statute lists deposit use for rent and damages due to tenant's breach, with no specific mention of utilities | No limit (but 5% annual interest must be paid on deposits > $50 or one month's rent if tenant stays ≥6 months) 30 days after tenant vacates and gives possession to refund deposit and written itemization | Tenant must provide a forwarding address (in writing) to trigger landlord's duty. Landlord's itemized deduction statement must accompany any withheld amount. Failure to comply in 30 days makes landlord liable for deposit + equal amount as damages (double) plus attorney's fees. | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 |
| Dallas, TX | Low Straightforward rules (30-day deadline; broad allowed uses) | YES Any charges the tenant owes under the lease (e.g. unpaid utilities) can be deducted | No state limit on deposit amount 30 days after tenant surrenders possession (and provides a forwarding address) | No statutory escrow or interest required. Tenant must supply a forwarding address in writing (landlord's 30-day clock starts then). Landlord must give an itemized written deduction list with any refund (unless only unpaid rent is owed). Wrongful withholding can make landlord liable for 3× the deposit plus fees. | Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 92.103–92.107 |
| Daytona Beach, FL | Moderate Specific procedures (15/30 day notices) must be followed | NO Law speaks generally to claims for damages or rent; utilities not explicitly listed | No state cap on amount 15 days after move-out to return full deposit if no claim; 30 days to send certified notice if making deductions | Deposit must be held in a Florida bank account or bond (no commingling) and tenant notified in writing within 30 days of where it's held. Landlord's claim notice (via certified mail) must be sent within 30 days of tenancy end, or landlord forfeits all rights to deduct. Noncompliance can result in tenant recovering deposit and court costs. | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
| Denver, CO | Moderate Statute is clear; strict 30-day limit and treble damages for bad faith | YES Explicitly allows deposit to cover "nonpayment of utility charges" (along with rent, damage, cleaning, etc.) | No limit by state law 30 days after lease end or surrender (up to 60 days if lease stipulates) to return deposit and itemization | Landlord must provide a written list of exact deductions and refund any remainder within 30 days. Missing the 30/60-day deadline forfeits all deposit claims, and willful withholding in bad faith makes landlord liable for 3× the amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees. | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103 |
| Greensboro, NC | Moderate Detailed rules (escrow, dual inspections) but statute is explicit | YES Allows withholding for "costs for water or sewer... and electric service" and any unpaid bills that become a lien | Tiered cap: 2 weeks' rent (week-to-week); 1.5 months (month-to-month); 2 months (longer leases) 30 days after tenancy to return deposit with itemized list (if final costs uncertain, interim report in 30 days, final by 60 days) | Deposit must be kept in a trust account or bond and tenant notified within 30 days. Landlord must offer a move-in inspection list and a joint move-out inspection upon request. No deduction allowed for normal wear. Willful failure to comply (escrow or required lists) forfeits landlord's deposit claim and may lead to attorney's fees. | N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-55 |
| Houston, TX | Low Straightforward rules (30-day deadline; broad allowed uses) | YES Any charges the tenant owes under the lease (e.g. unpaid utilities) can be deducted | No state limit on deposit amount 30 days after tenant surrenders possession (and provides a forwarding address) | No statutory escrow or interest required. Tenant must supply a forwarding address in writing (landlord's 30-day clock starts then). Landlord must give an itemized written deduction list with any refund (unless only unpaid rent is owed). Wrongful withholding can make landlord liable for 3× the deposit plus fees. | Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 92.103–92.107 |
| Indianapolis, IN | Low Statute provides 45-day rule and clear allowable deductions | YES Allows withholding for "unpaid utility or sewer charges the tenant is obligated to pay" under the lease | No limit on amount 45 days after termination and tenant's delivery of possession to mail itemized deductions and refund | Tenant must be given a move-in damage list to review and sign at lease start (if provided). Tenant must supply a forwarding address in writing – landlord's 45-day duty to send refund does not begin until address is provided. Failing to comply in 45 days entitles tenant to return of full deposit and attorney's fees. | Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 |
| Jacksonville, FL | Moderate Specific procedures (15/30 day notices) must be followed | NO Law speaks generally to claims for damages or rent; utilities not explicitly listed | No state cap on amount 15 days after move-out to return full deposit if no claim; 30 days to send certified notice if making deductions | Deposit must be held in a Florida bank account or bond (no commingling) and tenant notified in writing within 30 days of where it's held. Landlord's claim notice (via certified mail) must be sent within 30 days of tenancy end, or landlord forfeits all rights to deduct. Noncompliance can result in tenant recovering deposit and court costs. | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
| Kansas City, MO | Moderate Clear 30-day return and 2-month cap; must follow move-out inspection rules | NO Law permits deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond ordinary wear (and certain cleaning or breach costs), but utilities are not specifically mentioned | 2 months' rent max 30 days after tenancy ends to return deposit and an itemized damage list | Deposit need not earn interest, but must be held for tenant's benefit (mixing with landlord funds is prohibited). Landlord must offer a move-out inspection with tenant's opportunity to attend. Wrongfully withholding deposit can lead to tenant recovering up to 2× the withheld amount as damages. | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300 |
| Las Vegas, NV | Low Clear state law (3-month cap, 30-day deadline; limited penalty) | NO Statute limits deductions to rent defaults, damage repair, and cleaning costs – utilities aren't named | 3 months' rent max (including any last-month rent or surety bond) 30 days after tenancy ends to provide written accounting and refund any balance | Landlord may only claim deposit for unpaid rent, damages (beyond normal wear), and cleaning. An itemized written accounting of deductions must be delivered to tenant within 30 days. Failing to return deposit within 30 days makes landlord liable for the full deposit plus possible additional damages. | Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242 |
| Louisville, KY | Moderate Very strict URLTA procedures (separate account, dual signed lists) or landlord forfeits deposit | NO Deposit can cover rent owed or damage from tenant's noncompliance, but utilities are not explicitly addressed in the statute | No limit (state law does not cap deposit amounts) No fixed deadline to refund in statute – landlord must notify tenant of any refund due and wait 60 days for tenant's response | Deposit must be kept in a separate account just for security deposits. Landlord must provide a pre-existing damage list at move-in, and a post-move-out damage list with costs, each signed by both parties. If landlord fails to use a separate account or to provide the required lists, they lose any right to retain the deposit. | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 |
| Memphis, TN | Moderate Detailed URTLA process (escrow, inspection option, 30-day refund) with forfeiture for non-compliance | NO Law allows deposit use for rent, damages, cleaning, etc., but does not explicitly mention utilities | No limit in state law 30 days after tenant vacates and surrenders keys to refund deposit and itemized damage list | Deposit must be kept in a separate account for security deposits. Landlord must notify tenant of their right to a joint move-out inspection. Landlord must mail a written itemization and refund within 30 days of termination. If landlord fails to comply with escrow or listing requirements, they cannot retain any of the deposit. | Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 |
| Miami, FL | Moderate Specific procedures (15/30 day notices) must be followed | YES Landlord can retain deposit for unpaid utility bills if tenant is responsible under lease | No state cap on amount 15 days after move-out to return full deposit if no claim; 30 days to send certified notice if making deductions | Deposit must be held in a Florida bank account or bond (no commingling) and tenant notified in writing within 30 days of where it's held. Landlord's claim notice (via certified mail) must be sent within 30 days of tenancy end, or landlord forfeits all rights to deduct. Noncompliance can result in tenant recovering deposit and court costs. | Fla. Stat. § 83.49 |
| Nashville, TN | Moderate Detailed URLTA process (escrow, inspection option, 30-day refund) with forfeiture for non-compliance | YES Deposit can be used to offset unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, and late rent fees to avoid financial losses | No limit in state law 30 days after tenant vacates to refund deposit and itemized damage list | Deposit must be kept in a separate account for security deposits. Landlord must notify tenant of their right to a joint move-out inspection. Landlord must provide a written itemization and refund within 30 days of termination. If landlord fails to comply with escrow or listing requirements, they cannot retain any of the deposit. | Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 |
| New Jersey, NJ | Moderate Highly regulated (1.5-month cap, annual interest, 30-day return) – clear but burdensome to comply | NO Deposit can be used for unpaid rent or damages as per lease; utilities are not expressly singled out in the Security Deposit Act | 1.5 months' rent max (landlord cannot demand more) 30 days after tenancy ends to return deposit and interest, minus any itemized deductions | Deposit must be held in a New Jersey bank earning interest. Landlord must give tenant written notice of the bank's name and address within 30 days. Interest earned belongs to the tenant and must be paid or credited annually. Failure to comply entitles tenant to double the deposit as damages, plus legal fees. | N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 46:8-19 to 46:8-26 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | Moderate 45-day return period (on tenant's request) and escrow mandate; law requires tenant action to enforce | NO Statute allows deposit use for rent owed and damages beyond wear (and cleaning), but does not explicitly list utilities | No limit on amount 45 days after tenant writes a demand for the deposit following move-out, for landlord to refund balance and itemized deductions | All deposits must be kept in an escrow account in Oklahoma (federally-insured institution) for the tenant. Misusing the deposit (not escrowing) is unlawful. Upon termination and tenant's request, landlord must deliver a written itemization of damages and refund within 45 days. | Okla. Stat. tit. 41, § 115 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Low Tenant-friendly limits and quick 14-day refund; penalties for non-compliance | NO Law allows deposit to cover rent defaults, damages, and cleaning; utilities are not named explicitly | 1.5 months' rent max (cannot demand more for security) 14 business days after termination and delivery of possession (and tenant's demand) to send itemized deductions and refund | Landlord must provide tenant with a move-in inspection form and notify tenant of their right to be present at move-out inspection. Within 14 days of tenancy end and tenant's demand, landlord must mail an itemized deduction list and any refund. If landlord fails to do so, tenant can recover the deposit plus damages equal to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld. | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Moderate 30-day return rule with enforcement mechanism; modest $100 penalty for late compliance | NO Permissible uses include rent, damages, cleaning, and other contract fees; utilities are not specifically mentioned | No limit on deposit amount 30 days after tenant vacates and returns keys to refund deposit and/or provide written explanation of deductions | Landlord must return the deposit or written itemized explanation of any deductions within 30 days of tenancy end. If landlord fails, tenant can serve a formal 5-day notice demanding compliance. Failure to comply within 5 business days makes landlord liable for the full deposit, any prepaid rent, plus a $100 penalty. | Utah Code Ann. § 57-17-3 |
| Orlando, FL | See Daytona Beach, FL – Florida state law applies (uniformly governed by Fla. Stat. § 83.49) | ||||
| Palm Bay, FL | See Daytona Beach, FL – Florida state law applies | ||||
| Raleigh, NC | See Charlotte, NC – North Carolina's Tenant Security Deposit Act applies statewide | ||||
| San Antonio, TX | See Austin, TX – Texas state Property Code § 92.103 et seq. applies | ||||
| Sarasota, FL | See Daytona Beach, FL – Florida state law (Fla. Stat. § 83.49) applies | ||||
| St. Louis, MO | See Kansas City, MO – Missouri state law (RSMo § 535.300) applies | ||||
| Tampa, FL | See Daytona Beach, FL – Florida state law applies | ||||
| Tucson, AZ | See Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Residential Landlord/Tenant Act (A.R.S. § 33-1321) applies | ||||