Landlord & Tenant Laws in All 50 States (2025 Update)
Every state tweaks the landlord‑tenant balance in its own way. Use the quick links below to jump to a state and read a single, standout rule you should know before renting, managing, or investing there.
Alabama
Landlords can terminate a lease seven days after giving notice for unpaid rent—one of the nation’s fastest “pay‑or‑quit” timelines. Tenants should act quickly to avoid eviction.
Alaska
Alaska requires 30 days’ written notice for any rent increase in a month‑to‑month tenancy—double the federal HUD guideline.
Arizona
Landlords must give tenants two days’ notice before entering the unit, except in emergencies, safeguarding tenant privacy.
Arkansas
Arkansas is the only state without an implied warranty of habitability. Tenants often rely on local ordinances to address health‑and‑safety defects.
California
Statewide rent cap AB 1482 limits increases to 5% + CPI (max 10%) and imposes “just cause” eviction rules after 12 months’ occupancy.
Colorado
Security deposits must be returned within 30 days unless the lease allows up to 60; penalties hit 3× the withheld amount for bad‑faith delays.
Connecticut
Landlords must pay annual interest on security deposits and place them in an escrow account separate from operating funds.
Delaware
Rent increases need 60 days’ notice, one of the longest lead times nationwide for month‑to‑month leases.
Florida
Florida imposes no statutory limit on late fees but requires they be “reasonable” and clearly stated in the lease.
Georgia
Before collecting a security deposit, landlords must give a written move‑in inspection list; otherwise they can’t retain any portion for damages.
Hawaii
Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent, and landlords may not charge additional “pet rent” on top of that cap.
Idaho
Landlords have 30 days to refund a deposit unless the lease specifies a shorter window—giving owners flexibility and tenants certainty.
Illinois
In Chicago, deposits must earn interest and be kept in a federally insured account; violations can cost landlords two times the deposit plus attorney fees.
Indiana
Landlords have 45 days to return deposits; failure to itemize deductions within that window waives the right to withhold.
Iowa
Security deposits cannot exceed 2 months’ rent, protecting tenants from excessive move‑in costs.
Kansas
Ending a month‑to‑month lease requires 30 days’ written notice that aligns with the rental period.
Kentucky
Landlords must hold deposits in a separate account and disclose the bank’s name and account number in the lease.
Louisiana
Tenants may repair and deduct up to $500 if the landlord fails to act on vital maintenance after notice.
Maine
If the landlord owns 6+ units, deposits are capped at one month’s rent; seniors (62+) enjoy the same cap regardless of unit count.
Maryland
Security deposits max out at 2 months’ rent, and tenants can earn back twice the deposit for wrongful withholding.
Massachusetts
Strict rules force landlords to issue a receipt within 30 days, place deposits in a separate account, and pay annual interest.
Michigan
Leases must include specific statutory language telling tenants they have 4 days after move‑out to request a deposit itemization.
Minnesota
Landlords must pay tenants 1% annual interest on security deposits, regardless of the bank’s rate.
Mississippi
For non‑payment evictions, notices can demand rent within 3 days—short among southern states.
Missouri
Security deposits are limited to 2 months’ rent; landlords must conduct a joint move‑out inspection upon tenant request.
Montana
Only 24 hours’ notice is required before landlords enter for routine work—less than many western states’ 48‑hour norms.
Nebraska
Security deposits can’t exceed one month’s rent (plus 25% for pets).
Nevada
Deposits are capped at three months’ rent, providing landlords extra cushion in a transient market.
New Hampshire
After three years, landlords must pay tenants annual interest on deposits at a bank‑matched rate.
New Jersey
The Anti‑Eviction Act bars landlords from evicting tenants without “good cause,” even after a lease ends.
New Mexico
Deposits cap at one month’s rent for leases under a year, but may reach two months with interest obligations on longer terms.
New York
Since 2019, landlords statewide may collect only one month’s rent as deposit and must refund within 14 days of move‑out.
North Carolina
Late fees on monthly rent are capped at the greater of $15 or 5%, protecting tenants from punitive charges.
North Dakota
Deposits cap at one month’s rent, but landlords may add another month for tenants with pets.
Ohio
Landlords must pay 5% interest annually on deposits over $50 held for more than six months.
Oklahoma
Tenants must request deposit returns in writing; landlords then have 45 days to comply.
Oregon
Oregon’s statewide rent control lets landlords raise rent only 7% + CPI once per year.
Pennsylvania
After five years in the same unit, tenants’ security deposit portion above one month’s rent must be refunded.
Rhode Island
Deposits max at one month’s rent, and landlords have just 20 days post move‑out to refund.
South Carolina
No cap on deposits, but landlords must
provide an itemized deduction list within 30 days or forfeit claims.
South Dakota
Deposits generally can’t exceed one month’s rent; refunds due within 14 days (45 if deductions).
Tennessee
Only counties with 75,000+ residents follow the Uniform Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act, creating a dual legal landscape.
Texas
Landlords can serve a 3‑day notice to vacate for non‑payment without any grace period unless the lease says otherwise.
Utah
Tenants may request a pre‑move‑out inspection to fix issues and protect their deposit—rare outside California.
Vermont
Deposits must be refunded within 14 days; if the unit is seasonal housing, the window extends to 60 days.
Virginia
Deposits top out at two months’ rent; move‑in inspection reports are mandatory and protect both parties.
Washington
Since 2019, tenants get a 14‑day pay‑or‑vacate notice—the longest grace period in the country for nonpayment.
West Virginia
Deposits must be returned within 60 days or 45 days if a new tenant moves in sooner.
Wisconsin
Landlords have 21 days to refund security deposits and must provide a check‑in sheet at move‑in.
Wyoming
Security deposit refunds are due within 30 days; landlords may deduct unpaid utilities as well as rent and damages.
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