How this calculator works
Each result comes from our 50-state data set. The deadline is your move-out date plus the statutory number of days. The cap check multiplies your monthly rent by the state's cap in months. The penalty range applies the state's statutory formula to the amount in dispute: for example, Texas's “$100 plus three times the portion wrongfully withheld”, or California's “up to twice the amount of the security” for bad-faith retention.
What to do with the result
- If the deadline has passed with no refund or statement, send a written demand letter citing the statute.
- Keep copies of your lease, photos, forwarding-address notice and all messages.
- If the landlord doesn't respond, file in small claims or justice court. You usually don't need a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
How is the deadline calculated?
We add the state's statutory number of calendar days to your move-out date. Some states start the clock at surrender of possession or termination of the tenancy rather than move-out, and a few extend deadlines that fall on weekends or holidays, so treat the date as an estimate and confirm with the statute.
Why does the calculator say “Verify with statute” for my state?
We only compute dates and penalties from figures we have confirmed in the official statute text. For other states we show the label instead of guessing.
What does the penalty range mean?
It is the total a tenant could ask a court for under the state's penalty rule (including the money wrongfully kept), before attorney's fees and costs. Many penalties require a finding of bad faith or willfulness; courts decide the final amount.