YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS UNDER STATE LAW
Most states limit security deposits to 1-3 times the monthly rent. The exact limit varies by state.
The app automatically applies your state's deposit limits and alerts you if you're being overcharged based on your location.
Your landlord must refund your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within a state-mandated deadline. Common timelines include:
Many states require specific triggers before the deadline starts:
Your lease expired or you gave proper notice to terminate.
You returned all keys, remotes, access cards to the landlord.
You sent a written demand letter with your forwarding address.
Some states count business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays), while others count calendar days (including weekends). This significantly affects your deadline!
Example: 14 business days = ~20 calendar days, but 14 calendar days = exactly 2 weeks.
Automatically detects your state, tracks required triggers, calculates deadlines using the correct method (business vs. calendar days), and sends push notifications at 7, 3, and 1 day before the deadline. No manual math required.
Some states require a written demand letter to trigger the refund deadline, while others start the clock automatically at move-out. Phone calls, texts, and verbal requests typically DO NOT count. Many tenants lose their deposits simply because they didn't follow their state's specific requirements.
Generates state-compliant demand letters with all required elements in 3 steps. Auto-fills your tenant info, property details, and the correct statutory language for your state. Tracks delivery method (certified mail, email, hand delivery).
If your landlord withholds any portion of your deposit, most state laws require them to send an itemized list of deductions with:
Landlords cannot send vague statements like "damages - $500" or "cleaning - $300." They must specify exactly what was damaged/cleaned and how much each item cost.
If your landlord withholds money without sending a proper itemized list, they may forfeit their right to keep ANY of your deposit. You can demand a full refund and potentially sue for wrongful withholding.
Upload your landlord's deduction letter. Our AI extracts each itemized charge, flags vague/incomplete entries, and matches charges with your evidence to identify disputes.
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, many states allow you to sue for penalty damages beyond the withheld amount.
Tracks deadline violations, documents evidence of wrongful withholding, and generates export packages formatted for Arizona Small Claims Court.
All state laws say landlords CANNOT charge you for "normal wear and tear" — the natural deterioration that happens from ordinary use.
Some damage falls in between. For example:
Courts consider: How long did you live there? and What's the item's expected lifespan?
Move-in photos establish the baseline condition. Move-out photos show current state. Our AI flags "normal wear and tear" charges in landlord deductions and generates rebuttals citing your state's tenant protection laws.
Texting or calling doesn't count. You MUST send a written demand letter.
Some states use business days, others use calendar days. Confusing the two can cause you to miss critical deadlines.
Many states have specific timeframes to dispute charges after receiving a deduction letter.
Phone photos without timestamps or location data are weak evidence in court.
If you don't photo damage at move-in, landlords assume you caused it.
DepositGenie is NOT a law firm and does not provide legal advice. If you need an attorney, contact your state bar association's lawyer referral service or visit the American Bar Association's legal help directory.
Don't navigate these complex laws alone. Let DepositGenie guide you through your state's requirements.
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