Before signing a lease, find out what is your state's maximum security deposit amount and whether a landlord can charge more for pets and other reasons.
If you have any questions or need legal advice, you can ask a local landlord tenant lawyer online.
If there are pets, changes to premises or increased liability risks, the landlord can ask for additional deposits. Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.(a)
The landlord can ask for an additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent. This pet deposit can only be deducted for pet-related damages. AS § 34.03.070.(h)
Tenants can volunteer to pay more than 1.5 month's rent as security deposit. A.R.S. § 33-1321.(A)
If the landlord owns five or less dwelling units, then there is no limit to maximum security deposit amount that he or she can ask for. Ark. Code § 18-16-303.(a)
If the dwelling comes with a waterbed, the landlord can ask for an additional half month's rent. California Landlord Tenant Act CA Civ Code § 1940.5.(g)
If the tenant agrees to it, the landlord can also collect the first month's rent in advance.
If the lease agreement allows it, the landlord can ask for additional security deposit when there is a rent increase. This additional deposit amount has to be proportionate to the rent increase. Del. Code tit. 25 § 5514.(j)
Security deposits, advance rent deposits and pet deposits have to be refundable (after allowed deductions are made). O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.(3)
The landlord can ask for an additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent. This pet deposit can only be deducted for pet-related damages. HRS § 521-44.(b)
In addition to the above maximum security deposit amounts, the landlord can also ask for pet deposits of up to half month's rent. This pet deposit can only be deducted for pet-related damages. K.S.A. § 58-2550.(a)
There is no limit to the maximum security deposit amount for landlord occupied buildings with five or less dwelling units. 14 M.R.S. § 6037.(2)
If the property is rented for 100 days or less AND is used for vacation or recreational purposes, then there is no limit to the maximum security deposit amount. M.G.L. ch.186 §15B.(9)
The landlord can ask for an additional pet deposit of up to 1/4 month's rent. This pet deposit can only be deducted for pet-related damages. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416.(1)
The landlord must disclose any additional nonrefundable fees (such as cleaning fees) in the rental agreement. NRS 118A.242 (8)
There is no maximum limit if the landlord is renting out a single-family home and owns no other rental property OR if the landlord is renting out dwelling units in an owner-occupied building with five or less units. RSA 540-A:5, I
There is no limit to the maximum security deposit amount for owner-occupied dwellings with two or less rental units.
The landlord can ask for an additional pet deposit for covering pet-related damages. N.C.G.S. § 42-53
The landlord can ask for an additional pet deposit of up to $2500 or two month's rent (whichever is greater). N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(2)
The landlord can ask for additional deposit if there are special conditions that "pose a danger to the maintenance of the premises". SDCL 43-32-6.1
If any deposit is not refundable, it must be stated in the written rental agreement. Utah Code § 57-17-2
If the landlord wants to collect deposits, he or she must provide the tenant with a written rental agreement and property condition checklist. RCW 59.18.260
The landlord can ask for non-refundable pet fees if the tenant agrees to it in writing. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1.(14)
Before accepting a security deposit, the landlord has to inform the tenant of the following in writing:
1. Tenant can inspect rental unit and inform the landlord of any pre-existing damages or defects
2. Tenant can request for a list of property damages or defects that the previous tenant was charged for (if any) Wis. Admin. Code § 134.06 (1)
If any deposit is not refundable, it must be stated in the written rental agreement. Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1207
Pet Deposits: The Fair Housing Act and Assistance Animals
If you have any questions or need legal advice, you can ask a local landlord tenant lawyer online.