Security deposit statistics: what renters actually get back
Survey data on how deposit disputes play out, plus original analysis of the deposit statutes of all 50 states and DC. Every figure links to its source; the statute numbers come from our 50-state comparison table. Cite freely with a link.
What surveys show renters experience
of US renters say they have lost a security deposit at some point.
of renters do not expect to get their full deposit back when they move out.
of renters challenge the damage charges deducted at move-out.
of renters say the terms for getting their deposit refunded were poorly communicated.
of renters report ever receiving interest on a deposit - even though a dozen-plus states require it in at least some cases.
was the typical security deposit paid by US renters.
What the law says: 51 statutes analyzed
The numbers below are original aggregates computed from our registry of all 51 US deposit statutes (50 states + DC), each verified against the current official text. They are not survey estimates - they are what the statutes say as of August 2026.
30 days
median statutory deadline to return a deposit (range: 14-60 days across the 49 jurisdictions with a fixed deadline)
34 of 51
jurisdictions authorize statutory damages beyond the withheld amount: 9 treble (3x), 23 double (2x), 2 at 1.5x
23
jurisdictions where missing the deadline or itemized statement forfeits the landlord's right to keep ANY of the deposit
26 of 51
jurisdictions let a winning tenant recover attorney fees, removing the main cost barrier to suing
$10,000
median small-claims limit - deposit disputes fit in small claims in every state (limits: $2,500-$25,000)
2
states set no single fixed deadline, relying on itemization and escrow rules instead
Per-state details with statute citations: security deposit laws by state.
The enforcement gap
Put the two datasets together and the picture is stark: the law is unusually tenant-friendly on paper - 34 of 51 jurisdictions threaten landlords with 1.5x-3x damages, and 23 void every deduction the moment a deadline is missed - yet a quarter of renters report losing a deposit and 59% don't even expect a full refund. The rights exist; they go unclaimed because most tenants never check the deadline, never send a demand letter, and never find out the statute was on their side.
Check where your state lands - free
Enter your move-out date and the deductions: the case builder computes your deadline, flags illegal charges, and cites your state's penalty statute.
Methodology & citation
Survey figures are reported as published by their original sources, each linked and dated above - note the Rent.com survey dates to 2013 and is included for lack of a newer nationwide loss-rate figure. Statute aggregates are computed from the GetMyDepositBack statute registry: the security-deposit law of every US state and DC, maintained against the current official statute text and last reviewed August 2026. Damage multipliers are counted where the statute authorizes them, including multipliers conditioned on willful or bad-faith withholding.
You may cite any figure on this page with attribution and a link to getmydepositback.org/security-deposit-statistics. For per-state figures, link the relevant state guide.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of renters lose their security deposit?
A Rent.com survey of 1,000 renters found 26% had lost a security deposit at some point, and a 2023 Roost survey found 59% of renters do not even expect a full refund at move-out - while 40% end up challenging the charges.
What is the average security deposit in the US?
The typical security deposit was $750 according to Zillow's Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024. Most states cap deposits at one to three months' rent; about 20 set no cap at all.
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit on average?
Across the 49 US jurisdictions with a fixed statutory deadline, the median is 30 days after move-out, with a range of 14 to 60 days.
What penalty does a landlord face for keeping a deposit illegally?
34 of 51 US jurisdictions authorize statutory damages beyond the amount withheld: 9 allow treble (3x) damages, 23 double (2x), and 2 at 1.5x. In 23 jurisdictions a missed deadline alone forfeits the landlord's right to keep any of the deposit.