After deducting any of these expenses, the landlord must return the rest of the security deposit and provide an itemized list of deductions to the tenant.
If the amount of the security deposit does not cover all of the items listed above, the landlord can pursue more payment from the tenant. The landlord can do this as part of the eviction case if it’s still pending, or they can file a separate small claims case.
What is the landlord’s deadline to return the security deposit?
The landlord must return the tenant’s security deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out or they discover the tenant has moved. The security deposit can be returned by mail or hand delivery.
If the landlord keeps any part of the security deposit, they must provide the tenant a written itemized list of the deductions within 14 days after the tenant moves out. The letter and refund must be sent or hand delivered to the tenant's last known address.
The tenant should be sure to give the court and the landlord their updated contact information in writing. The tenant can use the Notice of Name Change or Change of Address (form 600-00846) to update their information. The form can be found in the Forms section at the bottom of this web page.
Some cities and towns have additional requirements relating to security deposits. Check local laws. For example, Brattleboro and Burlington have additional laws related to security deposits:
Brattleboro Code of Ordinances 8-71 through 8-75
Burlington Code of Ordinances 18-120
What if the landlord doesn’t return the security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions?