Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Virginia

Virginia: return the deposit within 45 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. 60 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy if damages exceed deposit contractor needed (If damages exceed the deposit and need a third-party contractor, and the landlord says so in writing within the 45 days, the itemization of damages and repair cost may follow within an additional 15 days (55.1-1226(E))). Interest: no. Penalty if the violation is willful or intentional: forfeiture of the right to withhold. (Va. Code 55.1-1226)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 45 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, late fees, damage beyond wear, other lease obligations, lease break fee, unpaid utilities. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: forfeiture of the right to withhold if the violation is willful or intentional.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

The security deposit and any deductions, damages, and charges shall be itemized by the landlord in a written notice given to the tenant, together with any amount due to the tenant, within 45 days after the termination date of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates the dwelling unit, whichever occurs last.

Va. Code 55.1-1226(A). Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (2)

Utility withholding allowed with prior written notice; refund within 10 days of proof of payment (55.1-1226(C)).
Damage insurance may be accepted in lieu of a deposit (55.1-1226(I)).

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: November 14, 2026
45 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Va. Code 55.1-1226 (Virginia)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   November 14, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Va. Code 55.1-1226.

Settle a deposit in Virginia

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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