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How long does a landlord have to return security deposit to tenant after lease is up?

How long does a landlord have to return security deposit to tenant after lease is up?

Full question:

Tenant A fulfilled the terms of the lease agreement with Landlord A. Tenant A gave Landlord A 30 days notice, kept the property in excellent condition, returned the keys and left a forwarding address. Tenant A is expecting the security deposit to be refunded, but Landlord A has not refunded the security deposit nor discussed it with Tenant A. Will Tenant A receive the refunded security deposit and when?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

In most states, Landlord A has 14 - 30 days to refund the security deposit to Tenant A or provide an itemized statement detailing the deductions made from the security deposit. Tenant A may contest Landlord A's right to retain the security deposit through small claims court.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a landlord back out of a lease after signing?

In general, once a lease is signed, both the landlord and tenant are legally bound to its terms. However, a landlord may back out if there are specific conditions in the lease that allow for termination or if both parties mutually agree to cancel the lease. It’s important to review the lease agreement for any clauses regarding cancellation. If a landlord tries to back out without a valid reason, the tenant may have legal grounds to enforce the lease or seek damages.

What happens if a landlord backs out of a lease?

If a landlord backs out of a lease, they may be liable for damages incurred by the tenant, such as costs for finding a new place to live. The tenant can also seek enforcement of the lease in court. The specific consequences depend on the lease terms and state laws. Tenants should document any communication and seek legal advice if necessary.

What happens if landlord does not return security deposit in 30 days in Washington?

In Washington, if a landlord does not return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 days after the tenant moves out, the tenant may be entitled to the full deposit back. The tenant can file a claim in small claims court to recover the deposit. It's advisable to keep records of all communications and the move-out condition of the property.

What happens if you break up with someone you share a lease with?

If you break up with someone you share a lease with, both parties remain responsible for the lease obligations until it is terminated or modified. One party may need to negotiate with the landlord to remove the other from the lease or find a replacement tenant. If one tenant moves out, the remaining tenant may still be liable for the full rent unless an agreement is reached with the landlord.

What happens if a tenant under a lease stays beyond the lease's terms and the landlord continues to accept rent?

If a tenant stays beyond the lease term and the landlord continues to accept rent, this may create a month-to-month tenancy under state law. The tenant and landlord would then be bound by the terms of the original lease until either party provides proper notice to terminate. However, the landlord retains the right to evict the tenant if they choose not to continue the tenancy.

How long after moving out do you get a deposit back?

The timeframe for receiving a security deposit back varies by state. In many states, landlords have 14 to 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may have grounds to take legal action to recover the deposit. Always check your state’s specific laws for accurate timelines.