Security deposits

How Much Is a Normal Security Deposit?

Short answer: a normal security deposit is usually one month's rent, and sometimes up to two, so most renters are asked for roughly one to two months up front. On a 1,600 dollar apartment that is about 1,600 to 3,200 dollars. What counts as normal depends mostly on your state, because about half of US states cap how much a landlord can charge, and on factors like your credit, pets, and whether the unit is furnished. This guide explains the typical range, how to find your state's limit, and the deposit-style charges that are and are not allowed.

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Updated October 9, 2026. Informational only. Not legal advice.

The typical amount

One month's rent is the most common security deposit, and up to two months is normal where state law allows it. A furnished unit, a short-term lease, a pet, or thin credit can push it toward the higher end. The deposit is normally collected at lease signing, alongside your first month's rent. A deposit well above two months' rent, or one demanded before you have been approved or have even seen the unit, is a warning sign rather than a normal amount.

  • One month's rent: the most common deposit.
  • Up to two months: normal where the state allows it.
  • Higher end: furnished, short-term, pets, or limited credit history.
  • A deposit far above two months, or asked for before approval, is a red flag.

Your state sets the ceiling

About half of US states cap the security deposit, commonly at one or two months' rent, and many also set a deadline to return it after you move out. The other states leave the amount to the market. Check the renter-protections page for your state for the exact cap and return deadline before you agree to an amount.

  • Roughly half of states cap the deposit, usually at one to two months.
  • Many states also set a return deadline, often 14 to 45 days.
  • Find your state's cap on its renter-protections page.

What can be added, and what cannot

A security deposit is separate from several charges that often arrive at the same time. First and last month's rent, a pet deposit, and a holding deposit are their own items with their own rules. An application fee and an admin fee are not deposits at all and are usually non-refundable. Ask which of these you are being charged, and get each one in writing before you pay.

  • Pet deposit and pet fee are separate from the security deposit.
  • First and last month's rent is not the same as the deposit.
  • Application and admin fees are fees, not refundable deposits.

When the amount is a warning sign

Treat the number as a red flag when it is far above two months' rent in a state that caps deposits, when you are asked to pay by wire, Zelle, Cash App, or gift card, or when any money is requested before you have toured the unit and been approved. Those are the patterns behind most rental-deposit scams, not normal pricing.

  • Far above two months' rent where the state caps deposits.
  • Payment demanded by wire, Zelle, Cash App, or gift card.
  • Any deposit requested before a tour and an approved application.

Before you pay a security deposit

You know your state's cap and the amount is at or under it.
The amount is about one to two months' rent.
You are approved and signing a lease, not paying in advance.
The deposit is separate from any application or admin fee.
You are paying by a traceable method and getting a receipt.

Questions renters ask

Is one month's rent a normal security deposit?

Yes. One month's rent is the most common security deposit in the US, and up to two months is normal where the state allows it.

Can a landlord charge more than two months' rent?

It depends on your state. About half of states cap the deposit, often at one or two months, while others set no limit. Check your state's renter-protections page.

Is the security deposit the same as first and last month's rent?

No. The security deposit covers damage and unpaid rent and is refundable; first and last month's rent is rent. They are separate charges.

Do I get the deposit back?

Usually, minus lawful deductions for damage beyond normal wear and unpaid rent, and within your state's return deadline. If it is wrongly withheld, small claims court is the usual remedy.