How long do I have to return a tenant's security deposit?

Full question:

I am a landlord. How long do I have after my tenants vacate the apartment to pay back their security deposit? Also, if their is damage to the property, do I need to deduct the cost of repairs out of their security?

Answer:

According to Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21), as a landlord, you must return a tenant's security deposit within thirty days after they vacate the apartment. This timeframe applies if the tenant has provided you with their forwarding address in writing. You can either return the full deposit plus any accrued interest or deduct the cost of damages caused by the tenant, along with providing a written statement that details these deductions.

If you do not have the tenant's forwarding address, you must return the security deposit and provide a written statement within fifteen days after you receive their address.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in you being liable for twice the amount of the security deposit.

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

In Massachusetts, landlords must return a tenant's security deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates the property. If there are deductions for damages, the landlord must provide an itemized list of these costs. If the landlord fails to comply, they may be liable for the full amount of the deposit plus interest. It's important to note that landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear. Always check the latest laws for any updates or changes.