Landlord law FAQ

Generally capped at one month's rent, in addition to first month's rent. Up to two months is allowed for a small landlord: a natural person, or an LLC whose members are all natural persons, owning no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total (rule in effect from July 1, 2024).

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the California page

Within 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement plus any remaining deposit. If repairs can't be finished in time, deduct a good-faith estimate and send the final accounting within 14 days of completing the work.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the California page

Maximum two months' rent; one month's rent if the tenant is 62 or older.

Verified Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Connecticut page

Within 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after receiving the tenant's written forwarding address, whichever is later. Includes accrued interest and an itemized statement of deductions. Penalty for violations: twice the deposit.

Verified Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Connecticut page

No claim: return within 15 days after the rental agreement ends. To claim against the deposit, send written notice by certified mail or e-mail within 30 days; otherwise the landlord forfeits the right to claim against the deposit.

Verified Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Florida page

For repairs: at least 24 hours' notice, entering between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Entry is allowed any time to protect or preserve the premises, and in an emergency or with the tenant's consent.

Verified Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.53(2) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Florida page

3-day written demand for rent or possession, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-observed legal holidays.

Verified Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Florida page

Preempted. Local governments may not adopt or maintain any measure that has the effect of imposing controls on rents.

Verified Source: Fla. Stat. § 125.0103(2) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Florida page

Within 30 days after the landlord regains possession: return the deposit, or a written statement of the exact reasons for withholding plus the balance (Georgia Attorney General's summary of the statute).

Verified Source: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-34 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Georgia page

To withhold for damage: send an itemized statement with costs within 30 days after the tenant vacates (paid receipts within 30 days if estimates were used). With no statement, return the full deposit within 45 days of move-out. Bad faith can cost twice the deposit.

Verified Source: 765 ILCS 710/1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Illinois page

Preempted. Local governments, including home-rule units, may not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property.

Verified Source: 50 ILCS 825/5 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Illinois page

Maximum 1.5 months' rent.

Verified Source: MCL 554.602 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Michigan page

To claim damages, mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages, with estimated repair costs, within 30 days after occupancy ends.

Verified Source: MCL 554.609 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Michigan page

Written 7-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent.

Verified Source: MCL 554.134(2) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Michigan page

Preempted. A local government may not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential property, subject to limited exceptions in the statute.

Verified Source: MCL 123.411 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Michigan page

Two weeks' rent for week-to-week tenancies, 1.5 months' rent for month-to-month, and 2 months' rent for terms longer than month-to-month.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the North Carolina page

Itemized accounting plus balance within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned. If the claim can't be determined by then, send an interim accounting within 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the North Carolina page

Only once rent is 5 or more calendar days late. Monthly rent: no more than $15 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is greater. Weekly rent: $4 or 5%, whichever is greater. Only one late fee per late payment.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a)-(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the North Carolina page

The lease is forfeited if rent isn't paid within 10 days after the landlord demands all past-due rent.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the North Carolina page

Preempted. No county or city may enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance regulating the amount of rent for privately owned residential rental property, with limited exceptions for publicly owned, subsidized, CDBG-assisted, or locally funded properties.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14.1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the North Carolina page

Itemized written notice of deductions plus any amount due within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and possession is returned. The tenant must give a forwarding address in writing.

Verified Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Ohio page

Reasonable notice and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency. 24 hours is presumed reasonable.

Verified Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Ohio page

Written notice to leave the premises at least 3 days before filing an eviction action, containing the statutory warning language.

Verified Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Ohio page

Up to 2 months' rent in the first lease year. From the second year on, and on renewal, no more than 1 month's rent.

Verified Source: 68 P.S. § 250.511a (Landlord and Tenant Act § 511.1) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Pennsylvania page

Written list of damages plus the remaining deposit (with any unpaid interest) within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises. Missing the list forfeits the right to withhold.

Verified Source: 68 P.S. § 250.512 (Landlord and Tenant Act § 512) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Pennsylvania page

Refund on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. The landlord isn't obligated to refund until the tenant gives a written forwarding address (§ 92.107).

Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Texas page

No late fee unless notice is in a written lease, the fee is reasonable, and rent remains unpaid two full days after the due date. Presumed reasonable: up to 12% of monthly rent (structures of 4 or fewer units) or 10% (more than 4 units).

Verified Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Texas page

Maximum two months' periodic rent.

Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Virginia page

Itemized written notice plus any amount owed within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later.

Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Virginia page

Notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. At least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant didn't request.

Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Virginia page

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.280 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Washington page

At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Washington page

Local rent control is preempted: no city or town may regulate the amount of rent for residential rental structures, except publicly owned or managed properties and public-private low-income housing agreements.

Verified Source: RCW 35.21.830 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Washington page

Register every rental property with Inspectional Services each year by July 1. Fees: $25/unit for first registration, $15/unit for renewal, capped at $2,500 per building or $5,000 per complex. Late penalty up to $300/month. Properties are inspected at least once every 5 years.

Verified Source: Boston ISD Rental Registration · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Boston, MA page

Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) units: one increase every 12 months; the allowable increase is 3% (Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2027). From Feb 2, 2026, the formula is 90% of CPI with a 1% floor and a 4% ceiling, and no extra utilities percentage may be added.

Verified Source: LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LAHD) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Los Angeles, CA page

All residential rental units must be registered annually with LAHD, including a Rent Registry, and fees must be paid: RSO $38.75/unit, JCO $31.05/unit, SCEP $67.94/unit. Bills are due in January and become delinquent after the last day of February. A Registration Certificate is required to legally collect rent.

Verified Source: LAHD Annual RSO/JCO/SCEP Bill · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Los Angeles, CA page

Every rental property in Minneapolis must have a rental license.

Verified Source: Minneapolis Code ch. 244, art. XVI (Rental Dwelling Licenses) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Minneapolis, MN page

Rent-stabilized apartments, leases starting Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026: 3% (1-year) or 4.5% (2-year), under Rent Guidelines Board Order #57. NYC 311 reports 0% / 0% adopted for leases starting Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027 (Order #58).

Verified Source: NYC Rent Guidelines Board Order #57 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the New York, NY page

Covered units: one increase per 12 months; the annual CPI increase is 2.3% from Aug 1, 2026 (formula: 60% of CPI or 3%, whichever is lower). Requires 30 days' written notice and a RAP Notice, and the unit must be registered with RAP. Combined increases cannot exceed the state cap (8.8% from Aug 1, 2026).

Verified Source: Oakland Rent Adjustment Ordinance (OMC 8.22) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Oakland, CA page

Owners of units covered by the Rent Adjustment Ordinance cannot raise rents unless the unit is registered with the Rent Adjustment Program (RAP).

Verified Source: Oakland Rent Adjustment Ordinance (OMC 8.22) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Oakland, CA page

No city rent cap, but: increases of 5% or more over a rolling 12 months need at least 90 days' written notice. If an increase is 10% or more and the tenant asks within 45 days, the landlord must pay relocation assistance of $2,900 (studio/SRO), $3,300 (1BR), $4,200 (2BR) or $4,500 (3BR+). No-cause terminations need 90 days' notice plus the same relocation assistance.

Verified Source: Portland City Code 30.01.085 · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Portland, OR page

Covered units: rent can be raised once every 12 months by the Rent Board's allowable annual increase, which is 1.6% for Mar 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 (60% of Bay Area CPI). No limit on the starting rent for a vacant unit.

Verified Source: SF Rent Board (Rent Ordinance § 37.3) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the San Francisco, CA page

Evicting from a covered unit requires one of the 17 just-cause reasons in Rent Ordinance § 37.9(a) as the dominant motive. Lease expiration or a change of ownership alone is not just cause. Some units exempt from rent limits are still covered by the eviction rules.

Verified Source: SF Rent Ordinance § 37.9(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the San Francisco, CA page

Rental housing must be registered with the RRIO program once a tenant occupies a unit, and registration is renewed every 2 years. Registered properties must be inspected at least once every 5–10 years. Exceptions are listed in SMC 22.214.030A.

Verified Source: SMC 22.214 (RRIO) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Seattle, WA page

Residential rent increases are limited to 3% in any 12-month period. Exceptions: self-certification for 3–8%, CPI + 8% after a just-cause vacancy, and staff determination above that. Newly constructed properties are exempt under the 2025 amendments.

Verified Source: Saint Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the St. Paul, MN page

Rent-stabilized units, May 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027: increases are capped at 4.1% (CPI-W 2.1% + 2%), or 2.1% for tenants who have registered elderly or disability status. Common exemptions include units built after 1975 and natural-person owners with no more than 4 units in DC.

Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3502.06, -3502.08 (Rental Housing Commission notice) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Washington, DC page

All rental units must be registered with DHCD's Rental Accommodations Division (via RentRegistry), either as rent-controlled or as exempt. Unregistered units are automatically subject to rent control.

Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3501.01 et seq. (DHCD) · last checked 2026-10-15 · See it on the Washington, DC page