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Deposits

Security deposit law in Idaho

Idaho's cap, return deadline, itemization rule, and wrongful-withholding penalty, with the controlling statute linked.

4 min read

Short answer

Idaho sets no statutory limit on the security deposit a landlord may collect, and the deposit must be returned within 21 days. Wrongful withholding exposure is wrongfully withheld amount plus fees. The controlling text is Idaho Code § 6-321, verified July 2026; confirm the current statute before acting, since legislatures amend deposit law and cities layer stricter rules on top.

No statutory limit. The return rule is 21 days. The controlling text is Idaho Code § 6-321.

Shared move-in, deduction, and refund workflow: the national state-law hub.

Idaho's return deadline

21 days.

The default deadline is 21 days after the tenancy ends, and the lease may extend it to no more than 30 days. If your lease is silent, the 21-day clock controls.

The itemized statement rule

A signed written statement itemizing the reasons for any deduction is required. Deliver it with the balance within the applicable deadline.

Account and interest rules

Idaho sets no separate-account or interest requirement. Hold the deposit apart from operating cash as a matter of practice.

Exposure for wrongful withholding

Wrongfully withheld amount plus fees.

A landlord who fails to provide the statement or refund on time is liable for the amount wrongfully withheld, and a court may add the tenant's attorney fees. Idaho leaves the amount uncapped, so the timely itemized statement is the discipline that keeps you out of court.

Idaho has no statutory deposit maximum

No statutory limit.

Compare Idaho with neighboring states

  • Washington: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
  • Oregon: no statutory limit; return rule: 31 days.
  • Nevada: three months' rent; return rule: 30 days.
  • Utah: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
  • Wyoming: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
  • Montana: no statutory limit; return rule: 10 or 30 days.

Verified against Idaho Code § 6-321 and official state sources in July 2026. Before withholding money, check the current statute text or ask a local landlord-tenant attorney. General information, not legal advice.

Questions landlords actually ask

Does Idaho cap residential security deposits?
No statutory limit
What is the security deposit return deadline in Idaho?
21 days. The default deadline is 21 days after the tenancy ends, and the lease may extend it to no more than 30 days. If your lease is silent, the 21-day clock controls.
What itemization does Idaho require?
A signed written statement itemizing the reasons for any deduction is required. Deliver it with the balance within the applicable deadline.
What is the wrongful-withholding exposure in Idaho?
Wrongfully withheld amount plus fees. A landlord who fails to provide the statement or refund on time is liable for the amount wrongfully withheld, and a court may add the tenant's attorney fees. Idaho leaves the amount uncapped, so the timely itemized statement is the discipline that keeps you out of court.