Many states cap how much a landlord can legally collect as a security deposit, expressed as a multiple of monthly rent — and that multiple varies significantly by state.
How it works
Multiplying monthly rent by the state’s deposit-limit multiple gives the maximum legally allowed deposit; comparing that against the requested deposit shows whether it’s within bounds and by how much it exceeds the limit if not.
What this does not include
This does not include states with no statutory cap at all, or special rules some states apply to furnished units, pet deposits, or month-to-month tenancies, which can differ from the standard unfurnished, long-term-lease limit.
How to use this calculator
- Enter monthly rent, the requested deposit, and your state’s deposit-limit multiple.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a landlord collects more than the legal limit?
Consequences vary by state — some require the excess be returned on request, while others impose penalties on the landlord for collecting an illegal deposit amount.
Does a pet deposit count toward the overall limit?
It depends on the state — some states count pet deposits and fees toward the same overall cap, while others allow them as a separate charge on top of the standard deposit limit.
Can a landlord require first, last, and a security deposit all at once?
Depends on the state — some states count “last month’s rent” toward the security deposit cap, while others treat it as a separate charge not subject to the deposit limit.
