How the deadline check works

The free deadline checker on our homepage takes two inputs — your state and your move-out date — and tells you whether the statutory window for your landlord to return or itemize the deposit has closed. Here's how it works.

The two clocks

Most states give the landlord two related deadlines that start from your move-out date:

Return deadline. If the landlord isn't claiming any deductions, the deposit must be returned within X days (where X varies by state).
Itemization deadline. If the landlord wants to claim deductions, they must send a written, itemized statement within Y days.

The deadline checker uses the longer of the two — the itemization deadline — because that's the date by which the landlord either has to send you something or has missed the window entirely.

What "past deadline" means

If you're past your state's deadline and you've received nothing, the landlord has typically forfeited the right to claim any deductions. In most states, that means the full deposit is recoverable. Specific remedies (statutory multipliers, attorney's fees) vary — your state page has the details.

Caveats and edge cases

Forwarding-address rule. A few states start the clock when the tenant provides a forwarding address rather than at move-out. If you didn't provide one, the deadline may not have started.
Business days vs. calendar days. Most states use calendar days; a few use business days. Our checker uses calendar days as the default for simplicity. The difference is usually small (5-7 days at most) and the checker errs on the side of "deadline already passed" so you don't act prematurely.
Holidays and weekends. If a deadline lands on a weekend or holiday, most states extend to the next business day — which works in your favor (more time, not less). Our checker doesn't account for federal/state holidays, which means actual deadlines may be a day or two later than what we show. Conservative for our purposes.
Eviction exceptions. If you were evicted, some states have different rules. The checker assumes a normal lease termination.

What the checker doesn't do

The deadline checker tells you whether the statutory window has closed. It doesn't tell you whether your landlord's deductions are legitimate, what damages you might recover, or whether your case is "strong" — those are case-specific judgments. We don't make them. (We're not a law firm, and that would be giving legal advice.)

What you can do once you know the deadline has passed: start a case and we'll send the demand letter that puts your landlord on the clock for the missing payment.