How Much Is A Security Deposit On An Apartment? [All 50 US States]

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Last Updated on January 18, 2025 by Kelvin Nielsen

Are you looking to rent an apartment for the first time and wondering about the security deposit you must pay? If so, this blog has you covered!

In today’s blog, you’ll learn all the basics of a tenant’s security deposit. Including, what it is, why landlords charge it, when a landlord can make deductions, and how much is a security deposit usually.

What is a Security Deposit on an Apartment?

A security deposit is the amount of money that a tenant pays at the start of a tenancy. Most landlords require it to act as a cushion against certain negligent actions a tenant may commit negligently, recklessly, or carelessly during their tenancy.

Examples of such actions include the following.

Causing damage exceeding normal wear and tear.
Failing to pay due rent or utilities.
Leaving the unit in a dire state of uncleanliness.
Failing to make unauthorized changes to the unit before moving out.

As a tenant, if you commit any of these actions and leave without fixing them, the landlord would have a right to make reasonable deductions from your deposit.

How much is a Security Deposit on an Apartment Usually?

The following is a summary of the security deposit amount renters may have to pay in all 50 U.S. States. Landlords may also be able to charge for additional deposits or fees as per the terms of your lease, so make sure to familiarize yourself with all the lease terms. Local ordinances may also have additional requirements regarding security deposit rules.

Alabama

A maximum security deposit is equivalent to one month’s rent. A landlord can also charge additional fees for pets, for changes to the unit, and for additional liability for the landlord.

Source: Alabama Code §§35-9A-201 AND 35-9A-301. You can read more here as well.

Alaska

A landlord may not demand or receive prepaid rent or a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value above two month’s periodic rent. This section does not apply to rental units where the rent exceeds $2000 a month.

Source: AK Stat § 34.03.070(2023). Alternatively, you can read more on AL security deposit laws here.

Arizona

Landlords cannot charge their tenants more than one and a half times the monthly rent payment as a security deposit. Unless, the tenant voluntarily agrees to pay more.

Source: Arizona state§§12-1171 to 12-1183. You can also read more here.

Arkansas

A landlord can collect a maximum security deposit equivalent to two months’ rent. However, some landlords that own five or fewer units are exempt from the security deposit rules.

Source: Ark. Code. § 18-16-304. Here is another source as well.

California

A landlord in California can charge a maximum security deposit amount that is equal to one month’s rent for an unfurnished rental. The landlord can also charge two month’s rent for a unit that comes furnished.

Source: Ca. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1)

Colorado

Landlords can collect a security deposit amount equal to two months’ rent, except in mobile home parks where the security deposit is limited to one month’s rent.

Source: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5. Alternatively, you can read more on CO security deposit laws here.

Connecticut

A landlord can collect a maximum security deposit of two month’s rent by default. The maximum security deposit is one month’s rent if the tenant is 62 years old or older.

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b). Alternatively, you can read more on CT security deposit laws here.

Delaware

A landlord can collect a security deposit equal to one month’s rent if the lease term or tenancy is one year or longer. However, some situations can have different rules.

Source: Del. Code. tit. 25 § 5514(a). Alternatively, you can read more on the state’s security deposit laws here.

Florida

A landlord can collect a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent if the lease term or tenancy is one year or longer. However, some situations may have different rules.

Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.491. Alternatively, you can read more on FL security deposit laws here.

Georgia

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect from a tenant as a security deposit.

Source: Georgia Code Annotated §§ 44-7-30 50 37. Alternatively, you can read more on GA security deposit rules here.

Hawaii

Landlords are allowed to collect security deposits from tenants up to the equivalent of one month’s rent. For example, if the monthly rent is $1000, the most a landlord can charge as a security deposit is $1000.

Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44(b)

Idaho

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one month’s rent, Idaho does not. A landlord can charge as much or as little security deposit as they wish.

Source: Idaho Code § 6-321

Illinois

There is no limit on the maximum amount a landlord can collect from a tenant as a security deposit, even for subsidized housing. A landlord can charge as much or as little as they wish.

Source: Illinois code 735 ILCS 5/9-201 to 321 and 765 ILCS 705 to 715

Indiana

There is no limit in the state of Indiana as to the maximum amount a landlord can charge a tenant as a security deposit. A landlord can charge as much or as little as they wish.

Source: Indiana Code Annotated §§ 32-31-3-1 to 32-31-3-19.

Iowa

Landlords can require a maximum security deposit amount from their tenants that is equal to two months’ rent. For example, if the monthly rent is $800, the landlord can collect a maximum of $1600 as a security deposit.

Source: Iowa Code Annotated § 562A.12.

Kansas

If the unit is unfurnished, a landlord can charge a maximum of one month’s rent as a security deposit. If the unit is furnished, a landlord can charge a maximum of one and a half month’s rent as a security deposit.

A landlord may also charge additional fees for pets. The pet deposit cannot be more than one-half month’s rent.

Source: Kansas Code Annotated §§ 58-2548 and 58-2550.

Kentucky

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one month’s rent, Kentucky does not.

Source: Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(2)

Louisiana

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one month’s rent, Louisiana does not. Landlords are free to charge whatever amount of security deposit as they wish.

Source: La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3251(b)

Maine

A landlord can charge a security deposit equal to two months’ rent. For a mobile home, the limit is three months’ rent.

Source: Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6032

Maryland

A maximum security deposit equivalent to two months’ rent. If the monthly rent amount is, say, $1,200, a landlord can require you to pay $2,400 as a security deposit.

If a landlord collects more than two months’ rent as a security deposit, the tenant may be entitled to collect up to three times the excess amount of security deposit charged, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.

Source: Maryland Real Property Code Annotated § 8-203 and § 8-203.1.

Massachusetts

Landlords cannot charge a tenant more than one month’s rent as a security deposit in Massachusetts. If the monthly rent is, say, $1,000, the maximum security deposit the landlord may collect must be $1,000.

In addition to requiring the first month’s rent and the security deposit before moving in, landlords may also request the last month’s rent and payment for the purchase and installation of a lock and key.

Source: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 186, Section 15b.

Michigan

Landlords can charge tenants a maximum of one and a half months’ rent as a security deposit. It is illegal for a landlord to charge more than that.

Source: Michigan Compiled Laws §§554.601-616

Minnesota

There is no statewide limit on the maximum amount a landlord can charge a tenant as a security deposit. A landlord can charge as much or as little as they wish. Luckily, though, most landlords are reasonable with how much they charge tenants to keep their rentals attractive to potential tenants.

But make sure to check with your local town or municipality to determine if additional rules may apply.

Source: Minnesota Statutes Annotated §§504B.118, 504B.151, 504B.178 and 504B.195.

Mississippi

There is no limit to the maximum security deposit a landlord can collect. However, landlords can charge a pet deposit, except for service dogs and emotional support animals.

Source: Miss. Code § 89-8-21

Missouri

Landlords are allowed to collect a maximum of two months’ rent from the tenant as a security deposit. For example, if the monthly rent is $1,500, a landlord can collect up to $3000 as a security deposit.

Source: Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.300.

Montana

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one month’s rent, Montana does not, landlords are free to charge whatever amount they’d like.

Source: Mont. Code § 70-25-206

Nebraska

Landlords can collect a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent. If the monthly rent is, say, $1,000, a landlord cannot ask for a security deposit exceeding $1,000.

Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(1)

Nevada

The maximum amount will differ depending on the type of rental property the landlord owns. In private housing, landlords can charge a maximum of three months’ rent. For instance, if you’re renting a property that charges a monthly rent of $1,400, then the landlord can ask you for a maximum security deposit amount of $4,200.

In public housing, landlords can charge a maximum of one month’s rent. While in Section 8 project-based housing, landlords can charge a maximum of one month’s rent or $50, whichever is more.

Source: Nevada Revised Statutes Annotated §§118A.240 through 118A.250.

New Hampshire

Landlords cannot collect more than one month’s rent from a tenant as a security deposit.

The only exception is if the landlord owns a rented property that is considered a “shared facility” such as a boarding house. These are exempt from abiding by the NH security deposit limit rules and can charge any security deposit amount they want.

Source: New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated §§540-A:5 TO A:8 and 540-B:10.

New Jersey

The most a landlord can charge in New Jersey as a security deposit is one and a half months’ rent. If the monthly rent is, say, $2,000, then the most you can ask as a security deposit must not exceed $3,000.

If a landlord increases a tenant’s rent, the landlord can also raise the security deposit to coincide with this rent increase but cannot ask for more than a 10% increase in the security deposit in any given year.

Source: N. J. Stat. § 46:8-21.2

New Mexico

The amount of security deposit a landlord can charge in New Mexico will depend on the length of the lease. For leases that are shorter than one year, the maximum security deposit is one month’s rent.

Leases one year or longer have no maximum security deposit. However, the amount must be “reasonable” under the circumstances of the rental agreement.

Source: N. M. Stat. § 47-8-18(A) & (B)

New York

Security deposits are limited to the equivalent of one month’s rent. This limit was enacted statewide for all renters as part of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

Source: New York General Obligations Law §§7-103 to 7-108.

North Carolina

The maximum amount a landlord can charge as a security deposit depends on the length of the lease in question.

For tenants on a week-to-week lease, the maximum amount is capped at the equivalent of two weeks’ rent. For month-to-month tenants, the maximum is capped at one and one-half months’ rent.

For leases longer than one month, the maximum security deposit is limited to two months’ rent. NC landlords can also charge pet deposits, but these need to be reasonable.

Source: North Carolina’s Tenant Security Deposit Act.

North Dakota

The law limits the maximum security deposit to one month’s rent by default. There is one exception, though. A landlord may collect up to two months’ rent from a tenant with a felony conviction or a liability judgment for violating a lease agreement.

Source: N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1(1) & (2)

Ohio

There is no limit on how much a landlord can charge a tenant as a security deposit in Ohio. The landlord could charge nothing or could charge a million dollars if they wanted; it’s really up to them to decide on the security deposit amount.

With that said, most landlords will charge between one and two months’ rent. For example, for a unit that a landlord charges $1,500 as monthly rent, you may have to pay a security deposit of up to $3,000.

Source: Ohio Revised Code Annotated §5321.16.

Oklahoma

While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit, such as one month’s rent, Oklahoma does not. However, there are additional pet deposit fees a tenant may have to pay, except for service dogs and emotional support animals.

Source: Okla. Stat. tit. 41 § 115(A)

Oregon

Oregon landlords do not have a specific limit on the amount of security deposit to charge a tenant, but one or two months’ rent is common. This affords landlords a cushion if a tenant fails to pay rent or otherwise breaches the agreement.

Source: Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300(5)

Pennsylvania

The limit changes based on the length of the tenancy. For tenants on their first year of lease, the landlord can collect a maximum of two months’ rent as a security deposit. For tenants in their second year of the lease, the landlord can collect a maximum of one month’s rent as a security deposit.

For tenants on their fifth year of lease, the landlord may no longer require a security deposit increase to stay in line with an increase.

Source: Pennsylvania Statute Title 68 §§250.511a-512.

Rhode Island

Landlords can charge a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent by default.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a)

South Carolina

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one month’s rent, South Carolina does not.

Source: S.C. Code § 27-40-410(c)

South Dakota

Landlords can charge a security deposit equal to one month’s rent by default. When specialized conditions pose a danger to the property’s maintenance, a landlord may exceed this limit.

Source: S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-6.1

Tennessee

There is no specific limit on the maximum amount a landlord can charge a tenant as a security deposit.

Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28-301 and § 66-28-305.

Texas

There is no imposed limit as to the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a tenant for a security deposit at the state level. The landlord would be within their rights to charge as much or as little security deposit as they would like.

However, local ordinances might differ, so always check with your municipality or county to be sure that what you’re asking is within the law there.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.111(a) & (b)

Utah

There is no limit to any amount a landlord can charge. However, it is common to charge between one and two months’ rent as a security deposit. For example, that would be the equivalent of $1,000 and $2,000 for a rental unit going for a monthly rent amount of $1,000.

Source: Utah Code Annotated §§57-17-1 to 57-17-5.

Vermont

There is no limit to the maximum security deposit, but local jurisdictions can establish their limits. For example, Burlington and Brattleboro can limit the maximum security deposit to one month’s rent.

Source: Vt. Stat. tit. 9 § 4461(g)

Virginia

The most a landlord can collect as a security deposit is an amount equal to two months’ rent. If the monthly rent is $1,500, the maximum security deposit would be $3,000.

Source: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Washington

There is no limit to the maximum security deposit, but landlords can collect non-refundable fees in addition to the security deposit as long as they are mentioned in the lease agreement, like a non-refundable pet fee.

Source: Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.285

West Virginia

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit in West Virginia. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit, such as one month’s rent, West Virginia does not.

Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1

Wisconsin

There is no limit on the maximum amount a landlord can charge a tenant as a security deposit. However, it’s important to always check with your local city or town to make sure they do not have different or additional laws that you must follow.

Source: Wisconsin Administrative Code 134 and Wisconsin Statute § 704.28.

Wyoming

There is no limit on how much a landlord can collect for a security deposit. While other states impose a maximum security deposit limit such as one- or two-month’s rent, Wyoming does not.

Source: Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1207

Conclusion

There you have it. The amounts of security deposits landlords usually charge in all 50 U.S. states. To familiarize yourself further with your state’s security deposit laws, you can find more information by clicking on the provided sources.