Idaho Security Deposit Return Deadline

Idaho landlords have 21 days to return your security deposit. Learn what happens if they miss the deadline and how to recover what you're owed.

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Your Landlord Has 21 Days

Under Idaho Code §6-321, your Idaho landlord has 21 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.

Deadline Trigger

The 21-day clock starts on your move-out date.

Deadline

21days

Under Idaho Code §6-321, your Idaho landlord has 21 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.

The 21-day clock starts on your move-out date.

What Happens When a Idaho Landlord Misses the Deadline?

Under Idaho Code §6-321, a landlord who misses the 21-day deadline forfeits the right to any deductions. Even legitimate charges become uncollectable once the deadline passes.

The statute of limitations to file a claim in Idaho is 5 years from the date of the violation. Do not delay. Document everything and act promptly.

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your Idaho landlord has 21 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Idaho Code §6-321.

If your landlord misses the 21-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under Idaho Code §6-321, even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.

No. Idaho law under Idaho Code §6-321 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

The 21-day clock starts on your move-out date under Idaho Code §6-321. Your landlord must return the full deposit or a partial amount with an itemized statement within this window.

The 21-day deadline under Idaho Code §6-321 is generally calculated as calendar days, including weekends and holidays. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, some courts may extend to the next business day, but it is safest to treat the deadline as calendar days.

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