How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?

It depends on the state. Across the 29 states and the District of Columbia where Seayora holds a published statute, the answer ranges from 1 month to 3 months. The table below gives the figure for each, with the statute it comes from.

Maximum deposit, state by state

State	Maximum deposit	Source
Alabama	1 month of rent	Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
Alaska	2 months of rent	Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070
Arizona	1.5 months of rent	A.R.S. § 33-1321
Arkansas	2 months of rent	Ark. Code § 18-16-305
California	1 month of rent	Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5
Colorado	2 months of rent	C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103
Connecticut	2 months of rent	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21
Delaware	1 month of rent	25 Del. C. § 5514
District of Columbia	1 month of rent	14 DCMR §§ 308–311 (as amended by D.C. Law 16-276)
Georgia	2 months of rent	O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-34, 44-7-30.1
Hawaii	1 month of rent	Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44
Iowa	2 months of rent	Iowa Code § 562A.12
Kansas	1 month of rent	K.S.A. § 58-2550
Maine	2 months of rent	14 M.R.S. § 6032–6033
Maryland	1 month of rent	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203
Massachusetts	1 month of rent	M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B
Michigan	1.5 months of rent	MCL 554.602–554.609
Missouri	2 months of rent	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300
Nebraska	1 month of rent	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416
Nevada	3 months of rent	NRS 118A.242
New Hampshire	1 month of rent	RSA 540-A:6–7
New Jersey	1.5 months of rent	N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-21.1
New Mexico	1 month of rent	N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18
New York	1 month of rent	N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)
North Carolina	2 months of rent	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51–42-52
North Dakota	1 month of rent	N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1
Pennsylvania	2 months of rent	68 P.S. § 250.511a–250.512
Rhode Island	1 month of rent	R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
South Dakota	1 month of rent	SDCL § 43-32-24
Virginia	2 months of rent	Va. Code § 55.1-1226

This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.

Only states where Seayora holds a published statute appear above. Where no statute is recorded, no figure is shown rather than a guess.

The answer in full, for the biggest rental markets

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?

In California, a security deposit is capped at 1 month of rent. One month's rent from 1 July 2024 (two months for small owners holding ≤2 properties / ≤4 units). This is Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?

In New York, a security deposit is capped at 1 month of rent. One month's rent — statewide since the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act. This is N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a).

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a security deposit is capped at 2 months of rent. Two months' rent in the first year, one month thereafter. This is 68 P.S. § 250.511a–250.512.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Georgia?

In Georgia, a security deposit is capped at 2 months of rent. Two months' rent, for leases entered into or renewed on or after 1 July 2024 (Safe at Home Act, HB 404). This is O.C.G.A. §§ 44-7-34, 44-7-30.1.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a security deposit is capped at 2 months of rent. Two months' rent (1½ for month-to-month; two weeks for week-to-week). This is N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51–42-52.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Michigan?

In Michigan, a security deposit is capped at 1.5 months of rent. One and one-half months' rent. This is MCL 554.602–554.609.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a security deposit is capped at 1.5 months of rent. One and one-half months' rent. This is N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-21.1.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Virginia?

In Virginia, a security deposit is capped at 2 months of rent. Two months' rent. This is Va. Code § 55.1-1226.

How Seayora uses this rule

Seayora computes the deadline this rule sets from the tenancy’s own dates, shows it on the deposit statement, and reminds the landlord before it falls due — so the answer above is not reference material sitting beside the product, it is the rule the product enforces.

Guides on this rule

D.C. Landlord-Tenant Law After the RENTAL Act: 2026 Guide — Washington, D.C. rules for 2026: the 10-day nonpayment notice and $600 floor, the 5% late fee cap, rent control caps of 4.1% and 2.1%, deposits and TOPA.
New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law: Good Cause, Deposits and Notices — New Jersey rules for landlords: good cause under the Anti-Eviction Act, the 1.5-month deposit cap and 30-day return, Truth in Renting and flood notices.
Security Deposit Alternatives: Texas and Maine Rules — The Texas rules for a monthly fee in lieu of a deposit, Maine’s surety-bond limits, and the Texas notice before reporting a no-deposit tenant’s damages.
Security Deposits Explained: Rules and Getting It Back — How security deposits work: typical amounts and state caps, what a deposit may cover, return deadlines, and how renters get the full deposit back.