Know your rights as a renter, in every state.

Pick your state to see its main renter laws in plain words: deposits, repairs, retaliation, entry, lockouts and eviction notices. Every rule links to where we found it, and nothing you type leaves your device.

Pick your state

Where is the home you rent? (start typing to jump to it)

Private. Nothing you type on this page leaves your phone or computer. Your state choice is remembered on this device only, so it is there next time. No sign-up.

Pick your state above. Its rules, a deposit date helper, two letters and free legal help will show here.

When is my deposit due back?

Type the day the clock starts and we count your state's deadline. We only show a date when your state's rule gives one clear number of days. Otherwise we show the rule itself.

The day the clock starts (usually your move-out day; your state's rule is below)

Pick your state first.

We count every calendar day, weekends and holidays included. If your lease or the law gives a later start, count from that day.

Letters that help

Stays on your device. What you type here is not sent anywhere or saved. When you leave the page, it is gone, so copy or print your letter first.

Pick a letter, fill in the boxes, and copy or print it. Empty boxes show as [brackets] so you can write them in by hand. A letter gives you a dated record. Keep a copy.

Your full name

The address you rent (or rented)

Landlord or property manager's name

Landlord's mailing address (from your lease or rent receipts)

Today's date

The day you moved out

Deposit you paid ($)

Your new mailing address (where to send it)

Your letter

How to send it

Sign it and keep a copy for yourself.
Send it in a way you can prove, like certified mail with a return receipt, or email if your lease allows it. Keep the receipt.
For a repair, take dated photos of the problem and keep them with your copy.

Our general advice, not a rule of any state. These letters do not threaten anything. Before you hold back rent or end a lease, read your state's repair rule above and talk to legal aid.

If your landlord locked you out or shut off utilities

Pick your state first.

Our general advice

If you are in danger, call 911. Otherwise, call your local police non-emergency line and say you were locked out of your home or your utilities were shut off.
Write down what happened: the date and time, who did it, what was said, and photos of changed locks or notices.
Contact legal aid today. Use the free help listed for your state above.

Sources, and how sure we are

We read each rule in the statute, an official state guide, or a copy of the statute. Laws change and cities add their own rules. Before you act, check the linked source or ask the free legal help listed for your state.

Last checked November 14, 2026.

369

of the 408 rules came from the statute or an official state source.

came from an unofficial copy of the law. Each one has an amber label.

we could not confirm, so we make no claim and point you to legal help.

That is 8 rules for each of 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Who made this, and how to correct it

This is information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk to legal aid or a lawyer.

Made by Known Quantity LLC, a small Rhode Island company, as free public-interest work. We have no relationship with any landlord or legal service, and no one paid for this page. We do not see or keep anything you type here.

If we got something wrong or a law has changed, email [email protected] with the source and we will fix it.

Also useful: A debt collector contacted you? · You lost your job: the first 30 days · Not paid what you earned? · Small claims court in your state · Got a hospital bill you cannot pay? · Help you may be owed: benefits and where to apply · All our free help pages

Free to reuse, copy, print and share, with or without credit. Last checked November 14, 2026.

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