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Deposit RecoveryMay 27, 2026
Security Deposit Itemization: What Your Landlord Is Required to Provide
When a landlord makes deductions, they must provide an itemized statement. Here’s what each state requires, what counts as sufficient, and what to do when they don’t provide one.
A landlord can’t just keep your deposit and say “damages.” Every state requires an itemized accounting of deductions. The specifics of what that itemization must include vary by state, but the core requirement is universal: the tenant has the right to know exactly what was deducted and why.
California
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g) requires a written itemized statement that includes:
• Each specific item deducted
• The amount of each deduction
• Copies of documents showing actual charges (receipts, invoices, or contractor estimates)
If repairs are not complete within the 21-day window, the landlord may provide a good-faith estimate and has 14 additional days to provide the final accounting with actual receipts. A vague statement like “cleaning $500, repairs $300” without receipts is insufficient.
Texas
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104(b) requires a “written description and itemized list of all deductions.” Texas does not explicitly require receipts (unlike California), but the description must be specific enough for the tenant to understand what was charged and why. “General repairs” without detail would likely be considered insufficient.
New York
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(c) requires an itemized statement with “copies of receipts for the actual costs incurred.” This is similar to California’s standard. A landlord who deducts without providing actual receipt copies has not met the statutory requirement.
Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)(b) requires the landlord to send a claim notice by certified mail within 30 days that states:
• The landlord’s intention to impose a claim
• The specific reasons for the claim
• The amount of the claim
• Required statutory language about the tenant’s 15-day objection right
The certified mail requirement is strict. Regular mail does not satisfy the statute.
What to Do If They Didn’t Itemize
A landlord who withholds the deposit without providing a proper itemized statement has violated the statute in all four states. A demand letter citing the specific itemization requirement is often sufficient to get a response, because the landlord knows that going to court without proper documentation puts them at a significant disadvantage.
Ready to take the next step?
Generate a demand letter or cancellation email sequence grounded in the statutes discussed in this article.
Generate your demand letterThis article provides general information about consumer protection statutes. It does not constitute legal advice and does not evaluate specific claims. Statutes may be amended; verify current law with official sources. Consider consulting a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.