SECURITY DEPOSITS:

On a residential rental, a security deposit cannot exceed more than two months?rent on unfurnished dwellings or three months?rent on furnished units. The security deposit must be refunded within 21 days after the tenant vacates the property.

However, if properly worded, the security deposit can be used to offset back rent, damages caused by the tenant, or to clean the premises left dirty by the tenant. If an offset is used, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized statement showing all charges within 21 days after the tenant vacates. No security deposit can be labeled as nonrefundable.