General info, not legal advice. Details

Idaho Deposit return deadline

Last reviewed 2026-10-16

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Idaho?

The landlord must refund the deposit within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises, or within a period set in the lease of up to 30 days (Idaho Code § 6-321(2)). Any partial refund must come with a signed, itemized statement of the amounts kept.

Verified Source: Idaho Code § 6-321 · last checked 2026-10-16

How this works in Idaho

Idaho gives you 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises to refund the deposit, or a period set in the lease of up to 30 days (Idaho Code § 6-321(2)). Any partial refund must come with a signed, itemized statement of the amounts kept.

Worked example for Idaho

Example: A tenant surrenders the premises on March 31, 2026, and the lease does not set a refund period. The deposit, or any partial refund, is due within 21 days, by April 21, 2026. If the lease had set a 30-day period, the deadline would be April 30, 2026. If you keep part of a $1,000 deposit, the refund must include a signed, itemized statement of the amounts kept.

Idaho timelines and limits

Default deadlineWithin 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises
If the lease sets a periodUp to 30 days after surrender; in any event within 30 days
Partial refundMust include a signed, itemized statement of the amounts kept

Idaho FAQ

How long does an Idaho landlord have to return a deposit?

Within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises, or within a period set in the lease of up to 30 days, under Idaho Code § 6-321(2).

Can the lease give me more than 21 days?

Yes, but only up to 30 days after surrender. In any event, the refund must be made within 30 days.

What if I keep part of the deposit?

Any partial refund must come with a signed, itemized statement of the amounts kept.

Sources for this section: Idaho Code § 6-321 (checked 2026-10-16)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related Idaho rules

Security deposit limit

No maximum. Idaho's security deposit section governs refunds and deductions but sets no cap on the amount.

Verified Source: Idaho Code § 6-321 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full Idaho security deposit limit page

Interest on deposits

Idaho's landlord-tenant statutes (Idaho Code title 6 ch. 3, including deposit § 6-321, and title 55 chs. 2-3) do not require interest on security deposits (full-text search of the chapters).

Verified Source: Idaho Code § 6-321; title 6 ch. 3; title 55 chs. 2-3 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full Idaho interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

Idaho's landlord-tenant statutes (Idaho Code title 6 ch. 3, §§ 6-301 to 6-324) do not require a move-in inspection or condition checklist. The Idaho Attorney General's landlord-tenant manual (guidance, not statute) states: "In addition to a lease, the landlord should provide a detailed checklist to the tenant that includes every room in the home or apartment and the items located in each of those rooms."

Verified Source: Idaho Code title 6 ch. 3 (6-301 to 6-324); Idaho AG manual (guidance) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full Idaho move-in/move-out checklist page

Abandoned property

After an eviction judgment, a residential tenant has 72 hours to remove belongings. After that, and 3 days after the court's finding, the sheriff restores possession, and the landlord may remove and dispose of remaining property, subject to security interests.

Verified Source: Idaho Code § 6-316(2) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full Idaho abandoned property page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Idaho landlord-tenant law · Idaho landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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