Security Deposit Limit Calculator: Is My Deposit Legal?

No. Each state sets its own rule, and the calculator shows the one in our verified data for the state you pick. In that data, 27 states or districts state a cap in months of rent, 20 state no statutory cap, and 4 are conditional or not verified, so we show the text instead of a number.

It depends on the state rule shown above. Check two things: whether the rule lets a landlord ask for last month's rent at all, and whether prepaid rent counts toward the cap. Where the verified text says it counts, the calculator adds it. Where the text is silent, it tells you so.

Only if the state rule says so. Some rules in our data give a separate pet allowance, and the calculator compares your pet deposit with it when you turn on "has pet". Where the text gives no separate allowance, a pet deposit may count toward the same cap, so read the rule shown for your state.

Look at the "prepaid rent" line of your state's rule above. Some rules say prepaid rent counts toward the cap, some treat it separately, and some do not say. The calculator only adds it when the verified text does.

"No state cap found" means the verified statute text we checked sets no limit on the amount (city or county rules can still add one). Other rules can still apply, such as how the deposit must be held, itemized and returned, and a lease term can be challenged in other ways. Open your state's page for those rules.

Quote the rule to the landlord and ask for a lower deposit, put the request in writing, and keep copies. If that fails, local tenant organizations, legal aid or small claims court can help. This is general information, not legal advice.