Idaho security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Idaho law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
21 days
Max penalty
Full deposit
Small claims limit
$5,000.00
The deadline
Under Idaho Code § 6-321, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 21 days after you move out (30 days if the lease specifies).
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Recovery of deposit; up to 30 days if lease allows.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Idaho Code § 6-321, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Idaho small claims court (up to $5,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against Idaho law and show what you're owed.
Run Idaho auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.