How much is a normal security deposit?

A common security deposit is one month of rent, but local law, market conditions, credit, pets, furnished units, and landlord policy can change the amount. Some places cap deposits by state or local rule.

Are pet deposits and cleaning deposits refundable?

They can be refundable or nonrefundable depending on the lease, local law, and how the charge is labeled. Read the written lease and fee schedule; the calculator separates refundable deposits from nonrefundable fees.

Can a landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?

Rules vary, but landlords generally distinguish ordinary wear and tear from damage, unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal condition, missing keys, or lease charges. Ask for an itemized deduction statement where required.

Does the calculator know my state's deposit limit?

No. The state or local cap field is a caveat note only. Check current local law, tenant resources, and the written lease before relying on a deposit amount.

Security Deposit Calculator

Use this before signing a lease to separate money you may get back from cash that is gone once you move in.

Runs in your browserNo personal info requiredRefundable and nonrefundable costsMethodology visible

Your Lease Numbers

Monthly rent ($)

Security deposit entry

Security deposit

Enter months or dollars based on the menu.

First month rent due upfront?

Last month rent required?

Lease term (months)

Deposits and refundable charges

Pet deposit ($)

Utility deposits ($)

Cleaning deposit ($)

Fees and deposit-return risk

Key, admin, application fees ($)

Other nonrefundable fees ($)

Expected deductions or damage ($)

Use your best estimate for cleaning, damage, missing keys, or unpaid charges.

Savings available for move-in ($)

State/local cap note

Move-out condition risk

Security Deposit Estimate

Total move-in cash needed

Refundable deposits$0

Nonrefundable fees$0

Cash shortfall/surplus$0

Estimated deposit returned$0

Net move-out cost$0

First-month cash burden$0

Detailed Breakdown

Item	Amount	Notes

Methodology

The calculator converts the security deposit to dollars from either months of rent or a flat amount. It adds pet, utility, and cleaning deposits as refundable deposits unless your lease treats them as fees.

Total move-in cash equals refundable deposits plus nonrefundable fees plus first month rent and last month rent when required. Cash shortfall or surplus compares that total with savings available for move-in.

Estimated deposit returned is refundable deposits minus expected deductions, floored at zero. Net move-out cost is nonrefundable fees plus unrecovered refundable deposits. Effective first-month housing cash burden is move-in cash minus the estimated deposit returned.

The state/local cap field does not apply legal rules. It only changes the recommendation language so you remember to check current deposit limits and lease terms.

Important caveats

State and local deposit limits, pet-fee rules, cleaning-fee rules, prepaid-rent limits, and interest requirements vary. Check current local law before signing.
The written lease and required disclosures control what is refundable, what is a fee, how deductions work, and when any deposit must be returned.
Landlords may be allowed to deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning beyond required condition, missing keys, utilities, or lease charges. Normal wear and tear is commonly treated differently from damage.
Some places require itemized deduction statements, photos, receipts, deadlines, or deposit interest. Keep move-in photos, move-out photos, receipts, and written communications.
Application, screening, admin, pet, amenity, key, and cleaning charges can be labeled differently. Ask in writing which charges are refundable before paying.

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Frequently asked questions

How much should I budget before move-in?

Budget for the security deposit, first month rent, sometimes last month rent, pet deposits, utility deposits, key or admin charges, application fees, and enough remaining cash for moving costs and emergencies.

Are all deposits refundable?

No. A charge is not refundable just because it is due at move-in. The written lease or fee schedule should state whether each pet, cleaning, admin, key, utility, or security charge is refundable.

What can reduce my deposit return?

Common risks include damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning disputes, unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, missing keys, pet damage, and lease charges. Local law may limit or define allowed deductions.

Should I rely on the state cap note?

No. The note is only a reminder. Deposit caps and interest rules are legal questions that can change by state, city, unit type, lease date, landlord type, and local ordinance.