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Security Deposit Calculator

Add up the total move-in money you'll collect — first month plus security deposit, last-month rent if applicable, pet deposit, and key fee — and check it against your state's deposit cap.

Monthly rent

State max (months of rent)

varies — check state law

Collect last-month rent?

Pet?

Pet deposit

Key / fob deposit

Total move-in money

$7,075

first month + deposits

Security deposit

$2,200

State maximum

$4,400

within limit

Pet + key deposits

$475

State law matters

Many states cap security deposits at 1–2 months of rent. Some states count last-month rent toward the cap (CA, MA, NY); others don't. Most states require deposits in a separate trust or escrow account and pay interest in some jurisdictions.

Always check your specific state and local rules before charging. Pet deposits and pet rent are separate from security deposits in many states. Key/fob deposits are usually allowed and refundable.

Editorial noteMaintained by EveryCalc - Reviewed June 2026

EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.

Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.

Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.

How this calculator works

What this page estimates

This Security Deposit Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for security deposit. Add up the total move-in money you'll collect — first month plus security deposit, last-month rent if applicable, pet deposit, and key fee — and check it against your state's deposit cap. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.

Calculation approach

The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.

Example workflow

For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.

Practical checks

Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.

How to interpret the security deposit result

Best use

Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.

Cross-check

Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.

Watch for

Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.

This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.

Before relying on this security deposit estimate

Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.

Confirm source numbers

Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.

Separate cash flow from total cost

A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.

Run conservative cases

Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.

Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.

How to Use

Enter the monthly rent.
Enter your state's deposit cap as months of rent (often 1–2 months; some states have no cap).
Set whether you'll collect last-month rent (counts toward the cap in some states).
Enter pet deposit and key/fob deposit if applicable.
Read total move-in money and verify the deposit + last-month total stays under your state's cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I charge for a security deposit?

It depends on state law. Common caps: 1 month (NY, MA), 2 months (CA non-furnished, NJ, MN), 3 months (some Florida circumstances), no cap (TX, GA, FL primary). Always verify current state and local law.

Does last-month rent count toward the cap?

In some states (CA, MA, NJ) yes — last-month rent collected upfront counts toward the security deposit limit. In others, it's separate. The calculator flags if you exceed the cap.

Can I keep all of the deposit if a tenant moves out?

Only the portion needed to cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Most states require itemized accounting with returned funds within 14–30 days. Withholding without itemization can trigger statutory penalties (sometimes 2–3x the deposit).

Are pet deposits separate from security deposits?

In many states, yes — pet deposits, pet rent, and one-time pet fees are governed by different rules. Some states count pet deposits in the overall cap; others don't. ESA/service animals can't be charged a pet deposit at all.