Idaho · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Idaho security deposit law

In Idaho, your landlord has 21 days (lease: up to 30) to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Idaho, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 21 days after you end the lease and give back the unit, unless your lease sets a different time; in no case later than 30 days after you surrender the unit.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 21 days (lease: up to 30)
deposit penalty: Up to 3×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Idaho: the rule above says where the landlord sends the deposit.
Wait for the deadline: Within 21 days after you end the lease and give back the unit, unless your lease sets a different time; in no case later than 30 days after you surrender the unit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $15,000 since July 1, 2026 (it was $5,000 before). Small claims court in Idaho on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Idaho

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Idaho

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Idaho

Limit: No statewide limit.
Deadline to return it: Within 21 days after you end the lease and give back the unit, unless your lease sets a different time; in no case later than 30 days after you surrender the unit.
Itemized list: If less than the full deposit is returned, the landlord must include a signed statement listing the amounts kept, the reason for each, and a detailed list of what was spent from the deposit.
What may be deducted: Only amounts needed to cover what the deposit agreement says the deposit is for. The landlord may not keep any part for normal wear and tear (deterioration from normal intended use, without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse).
Interest: The statute does not require interest.
Separate account: Only when a third-party property manager manages the unit: the deposit must be kept in a separate account at a federally insured bank, apart from the manager's operating account. This does not apply to owners, managers who share principals with the owner, real estate licensees, or certain nonprofits.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: You can sue for the deposit under Idaho Code § 6-320(a)(4). You must first give the landlord 3 days' written notice listing the problem and demanding the deposit (§ 6-320(d)). If you win, the court may (it is not required to) award three times your actual damages (§ 6-317).
Law: Idaho Code §§ 6-321, 6-320, 6-317

Small claims court in Idaho

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $15,000 since July 1, 2026 (it was $5,000 before).

How to file in Idaho

More for Idaho renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026