Quick answer: An Idaho landlord must refund the security deposit within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises, unless the rental agreement fixes a different time, and never later than 30 days. A refund of less than the full deposit must come with a signed, itemized statement. Idaho sets no cap on the deposit.
This Idaho security deposit return deadline calculator applies Idaho Code 6-321. Enter the date the tenant surrendered the premises and, if the agreement fixes a time, the number of days: it shows the refund deadline, the 30-day outer limit, the days left and the earliest day a tenant can sue after the 3-day notice. It does not decide whether a deduction is allowed.
Idaho security deposit return rules at a glance
| Rule | What Idaho says |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 21 days after surrender if the agreement fixes no time; never later than 30 days (Idaho Code 6-321(2)) |
| What to send | The refund with a signed statement of what was kept, why and a detailed list of the money spent (6-321(2)) |
| Wear and tear | No deposit may be kept for normal wear and tear (6-321(1)) |
| Tenant’s remedy | 3 days’ written notice listing the failure, then an action for damages (6-320(a)(4), (d)) |
| Damages | Up to three times the actual damages (6-317) |
| Attorney fees | To the prevailing party, except where treble damages are awarded (6-324) |
| New owner | The new owner is liable for the refund (6-321(3)) |
| Counting | First day excluded; a last day that is a holiday is excluded too (73-109) |
How does the Idaho deposit return deadline work?
- The 21 and 30 days. See how long a landlord has to return a security deposit in Idaho.
- What can be kept, and the signed statement. See Idaho security deposit deductions.
- The forwarding address, the 3-day notice and suing. See the Idaho forwarding address and 3-day notice rules for deposits.
What does this deposit deadline calculator check?
The calculator counts calendar days from the surrender date under Idaho Code 73-109: the first day is not counted, and if the last day is a holiday, which includes every Sunday and the days in section 73-108, it is excluded too and the period ends the next day. A Saturday is not a holiday under that section, so a deadline can fall on one. It does not know when anything was mailed or whether the tenant gave an address. How much a landlord may collect is a separate question: see the Idaho security deposit limit calculator.
Related Idaho landlord-tenant calculators
These four calculators cover the same tenancy from different angles. From here you can go to the Idaho security deposit limit calculator for the most a landlord may ask for as a deposit, the Idaho eviction notice calculator for the notice period before a lease can end and the Idaho eviction timeline calculator for the earliest legal dates once an eviction case starts. Each one cites its own Idaho statutes and shows only what the law says.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Idaho landlord have to return a security deposit?
21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the agreement fixes no time, and in any event within 30 days.
What must come with a partial refund?
A signed statement itemizing the amounts lawfully kept, the purpose of each and a detailed list of expenditures made from the deposit.
Can a landlord keep a deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. The landlord may not keep any part of a deposit for normal wear and tear.
What can a tenant do if the deposit is not returned?
Serve 3 days’ written notice on the landlord listing the failure and demanding cure; if it is not cured, the tenant may sue for damages.
How much can a tenant recover?
Judgment may be entered for three times the actual damages; attorney fees go to the prevailing party except where treble damages are awarded.
Does a new owner have to refund my deposit?
Yes. If the property changes ownership during a tenancy, the new owner is liable for the refund.