Days to Return the Deposit, in Eight States

New York: 14 days, itemized, or the landlord forfeits any right to keep any of it. Willful violation: punitive damages up to twice the deposit.

N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e), (g)

Florida: 15 days to return it; 30 for a certified-mail or agreed e-mail claim notice. No notice, no claim on it. Loser pays fees.

Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)

California: 21 calendar days, itemized. In bad faith, the landlord loses any claim to it and faces up to twice the deposit, plus actual damages.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h), (m)

Washington: 30 days, documented statement, or the full deposit is owed and defenses barred. Intentional refusal: up to twice the deposit. Loser pays fees.

RCW 59.18.280

Texas: 30 days after surrender and a written forwarding address. Late is presumed bad faith: $100, three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and attorney’s fees.

Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.107, 92.109

Illinois, any building size: itemized list with receipts in 30 days, or all of it back in 45. Refusal or bad faith costs twice the deposit, plus fees.

765 ILCS 710/1(a), (c)

Oregon: 31 days, written accounting and refund. Money withheld with no accounting, or in bad faith, costs twice the amount. Winner may get fees.

ORS 90.300(12), (13), (16); 90.255

Virginia: 45 days, itemized; 15 more for the itemization if damage tops the deposit and needs a contractor, with notice. Willful failure means the deposit back, plus actual damages and attorney fees.

Va. Code § 55.1-1226 A, E