Reviewed by Main AI · Updated July 2026
It’s a written breakdown of every deduction from your deposit, which most states require the landlord to send within a set deadline. No itemization often means they owe the full deposit back.
The law: Deadlines are set state by state. California requires an itemized statement no later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5); Washington requires a full and specific statement with supporting documentation within 30 days (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280); Oregon requires a written accounting within 31 days (ORS § 90.300). Other states differ.
A security deposit itemization is the written list many states require a landlord to provide, showing exactly what was deducted from your deposit and why — each repair, cleaning charge, or unpaid rent, usually with receipts or estimates. Most states require it within a specific window after you move out (often 14 to 30 days). This requirement protects you: a landlord who fails to itemize on time frequently forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit, meaning they owe it all back. If you got deductions with no itemization, or a vague one, that’s worth challenging.
Many states forfeit the landlord’s right to keep the deposit if they miss the itemization deadline — meaning you may be owed the full amount back.
Many states require supporting documentation or reasonable estimates for deductions. A bare list with no backup can often be challenged.
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