Even so, the state does protect renters against undue burdens. For example, there is a set time by which the landlord must return your security deposit, and they may only withhold a portion of the deposit from you for specific reasons.

Here,

car

and renters comparison super app

Jerry

help has compiled everything you need to know about security deposits in Idaho, including how much they are and how to get yours back.

Compare renters insurance rates in minutes

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Find Rates & Get Covered

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

What is Idaho law on security deposits?

The Idaho Statutes define a security deposit as any money given by a renter to “a landlord for any purpose other than the payment of rent.”

Landlords require renters to pay the security deposit fee before they move into the apartment. This money is held for the entire duration of the rental and only returned to the tenant once they have moved out.

The idea behind security deposits is that landlords have an extra pot of money to cover financial losses from a tenant failing to pay rent or damaging the unit. They also incentivize the renter to keep the apartment in good shape so they may have their money returned to them upon moving out.

If you want to know more about the exact letter of the law in Idaho,

here

is the statute that covers security deposits.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Idaho?

There is no maximum limit to what a landlord may charge a renter for a security deposit fee in Idaho, nor is there a limit to what they may charge for a pet fee.

In general, Idaho landlords tend to charge around one to two months’ rent as a security deposit. If you plan to look for a new rental in Idaho, it’s probably a good idea to have two to three months’ rent on hand before moving in.

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

Your landlord must return your security deposit within 21 days of the end of your lease in the absence of another agreement.

Overall, landlords have a legal maximum of 30 days to return your deposit.

What can a landlord withhold a security deposit for in Idaho?

The Idaho Statute lays out what a landlord can and cannot deduct from a security deposit fee. For example, a landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear to an apartment, which is defined as the typical deterioration to things caused by normal usage.

A landlord can charge a renter for actual damage done to an apartment or for excessive filth. Here are some examples of both:

Holes in walls

Broken windows

Water stains

Pet damage to carpets

Broken tiles

Damaged or missing blinds

Bathtubs coated with grime

Broken washer or dryer

Clogged toilets

If your landlord withholds money for any reason, they must provide you with an itemized list of deductions that explain what damage was done to the unit and how much the repairs cost.

Key Takeaway Landlords in Idaho may only deduct money from your security deposit for specific reasons, so make sure you are up to date on your renter’s rights.

MORE: How to find the best renters insurance

How to get your security deposit back in Idaho

Here’s the good news—it is purely the landlord’s responsibility to get your security deposit returned to you. Even so, you’ll need to provide them with a forwarding address so they have somewhere to send your money.

If you do not receive your deposit back within the 30 days, the first thing to do is to contact your former landlord. There may have been a simple mix-up, and a friendly nudge may be just what the landlord needed to get your check sent.

If the landlord refuses to return the deposit or you believe they are wrongfully claiming deductions, you can take them to small claims court to resolve the issue.

MORE: How to find a good car insurance lawyer

How to save money on car and renters insurance in Idaho

So you’re ready to pay your security deposit and know when to expect it back, but have you thought about securing a renters insurance policy to protect yourself further?

If you want to save money on insurance, the

Jerry

app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

“
Jerry
helped me change to Progressive after being with my previous insurer for 25 years. The app is amazing! It grabs your information and finds you a huge variety of choices between carriers and coverage levels.”—Leila S.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

Can I use my security deposit as the last month’s rent in Idaho?

No—a security deposit is defined under Idaho law as a payment to a landlord that does not cover rent.

Can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning in Idaho?

Maybe—landlords cannot charge you for normal wear and tear done to a carpet. But if there is a large stain or damage done beyond typical usage, they may charge you for its cleaning or repair.

You could save 15% or more on renters insurance by bundling

Bundle your renters and auto insurance with Jerry and save!

Try Jerry