Data · Updated October 7, 2026
The 2026 State Landlord-Tenant Law Index
Eight rules that change how a property management company operates, compared across all 50 states and DC. Every value comes from an answer checked against the official statute, and the table under each map quotes the text it is based on. 78% of the 408 data points are verified; the rest are marked and excluded from the counts.
Security deposit cap
28 of 51: Statutory cap
Does state law cap the security deposit on a standard unfurnished residential lease, and at how many months of rent?
Deposit return deadline32 of 51: 15 to 30 days
How many days does the landlord have to return the deposit (with an itemized statement when deducting) after the tenancy ends?
Late fee limits16 of 51: Specific cap or formula
Does state law set a specific cap or formula for residential late fees, only a reasonableness standard, or no statute at all?
Landlord entry notice17 of 51: 24 hours
How much advance notice must a landlord give before a non-emergency entry?
Nonpayment notice period15 of 51: 3 days or less
How many days must a nonpayment (pay or quit) notice give the tenant before the landlord can terminate or file?
Rent control24 of 51: Local rent control preempted
Does the state set a statewide rent increase cap, bar local rent control, or have no statewide ban that we found?
Application and screening fees15 of 51: No statewide limit
What does state law allow a landlord to charge a rental applicant for applying and screening?
Property manager licensing35 of 51: Real estate license required
What license, if any, does a third party need to manage residential rentals for others for compensation?
Security deposit cap
Does state law cap the security deposit on a standard unfurnished residential lease, and at how many months of rent?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Statutory capNo statewide capNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent |
| Alaska | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. No cap if monthly rent is over $2,000. [Note: The two-month cap does not apply when monthly rent is over $2,000.] |
| Arizona | Statutory cap (1.5) | 1.5 months' rent, counting prepaid rent. |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent, furnished or not. Small landlords may charge two months. [Note: Number is the general cap; qualifying small landlords may charge two months.] |
| Colorado | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. |
| Connecticut | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. One month for tenants 62 or older. |
| Delaware | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent for leases of one year or more. [Note: Month-to-month tenancies have no cap in the first year; furnished units are not capped.] |
| District of Columbia | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent, charged only once. |
| Florida | No statewide cap | No limit. |
| Georgia | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. |
| Hawaii | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to one month's rent. |
| Idaho | No statewide cap | No limit. |
| Illinois | Not verified | |
| Indiana | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| Iowa | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. |
| Kansas | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent unfurnished |
| Kentucky | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| Louisiana | No statewide cap | Louisiana's deposit statutes, set no maximum deposit. |
| Maine | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. |
| Maryland | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent per unit. |
| Massachusetts | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent. |
| Michigan | Statutory cap (1.5) | 1.5 months' rent. |
| Minnesota | No statewide cap | No statutory cap. |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent. |
| Montana | No statewide cap | No statutory cap. |
| Nebraska | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent, plus a pet deposit up to one-fourth of a month's rent. |
| Nevada | Statutory cap (3) | 3 months' periodic rent, counting deposit, surety bond and last month's rent together. |
| New Hampshire | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. [Note: Cap is the greater of one month's rent or $100.] |
| New Jersey | Statutory cap (1.5) | 1.5 months' rent. |
| New Mexico | Unclear | One month's rent for leases under one year; larger deposits on annual leases require yearly interest. [Note: The one-month cap applies only to leases under one year. On leases of one year or more a larger deposit is allowed if yearly interest is paid, so a standard annual lease has no cap.] |
| New York | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent. |
| North Carolina | Statutory cap (2) | 2 weeks' rent (week to week), 1.5 months (month to month), 2 months (longer terms). [Note: Number is the cap for terms longer than month to month; month-to-month tenancies are capped at 1.5 months.] |
| North Dakota | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent; up to 2 months in limited cases |
| Ohio | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| Oklahoma | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| Oregon | No statewide cap | No statewide dollar cap. |
| Pennsylvania | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' rent in year one. One month's rent from year two on. [Note: Number is the first-year cap; one month applies from year two.] |
| Rhode Island | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent. |
| South Carolina | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| South Dakota | Statutory cap (1) | One month's rent. |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | No statewide cap | No statutory limit. |
| Utah | No statewide cap | No statutory limit. |
| Vermont | No statewide cap | No statewide limit. |
| Virginia | Statutory cap (2) | Two months' periodic rent. |
| Washington | No statewide cap | No statewide dollar cap, but tenants can pay in installments. |
| West Virginia | No statewide cap | No statutory limit. |
| Wisconsin | No statewide cap | No statutory limit. |
| Wyoming | No statewide cap | No statutory limit. |
Deposit return deadline
How many days does the landlord have to return the deposit (with an itemized statement when deducting) after the tenancy ends?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
14 days or less15 to 30 days31 to 45 daysMore than 45 daysNo fixed deadlineNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | More than 45 days (60) | Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered. |
| Alaska | 15 to 30 days (30) | 14 days if proper notice was given and nothing is deducted for damage. 30 days otherwise. [Note: Two deadlines: 14 days applies when nothing is deducted for damage; number is the 30-day deadline that applies when deducting.] |
| Arizona | 14 days or less (14) | Within 14 business days after move-out, delivery of possession, and the tenant's demand. [Note: Deadline is counted in business days; category uses the stated count.] |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | 15 to 30 days (21) | Within 21 days after move-out, with an itemized statement. |
| Colorado | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days, or up to 60 days if the lease says so. [Note: Number is the default; the lease may extend it to 60 days.] |
| Connecticut | 15 to 30 days (21) | Within 21 days after the tenancy ends, or 15 days after receiving a forwarding address, whichever is later. |
| Delaware | 15 to 30 days (20) | Within 20 days after the lease ends, with an itemized list of damages and repair costs. |
| District of Columbia | Unclear | If you withhold, refund the balance with an itemized statement of repairs and costs within 30 days after that notice. [Note: The landlord has 45 days to refund or give notice of withholding; the itemized refund is then due 30 days after that notice, so the itemized deadline is not a single day count from move-out.] |
| Florida | 15 to 30 days (30) | 15 days if no claim. To make a claim, send notice within 30 days by certified mail or agreed email. [Note: Two deadlines: 15 days applies when there is no claim; number is the 30-day deadline for the itemized claim notice.] |
| Georgia | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after you get possession back. |
| Hawaii | 14 days or less (14) | Within 14 days after the tenancy ends, with written reasons and evidence of costs for anything kept. |
| Idaho | 15 to 30 days (21) | Within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the unit, or up to 30 days if the lease sets a longer time. [Note: Number is the default; the lease may extend it to 30 days.] |
| Illinois | 15 to 30 days (30) | To keep any part for damage, give an itemized statement with receipts within 30 days. Otherwise return the full deposit within 45 days. [Note: Two deadlines: number is the 30-day itemized statement deadline; a full refund with no deductions is due within 45 days.] |
| Indiana | 31 to 45 days (45) | Within 45 days after the lease ends and possession is returned. |
| Iowa | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and you receive the tenant's forwarding address. |
| Kansas | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 14 days after deductions are determined, and no later than 30 days after move-out. [Note: Number is the 30-day outer limit.] |
| Kentucky | No fixed deadline | No fixed deadline. |
| Louisiana | Unclear | Return the deposit within one month after the lease ends, with an itemized statement for anything kept. [Note: The deadline is stated as one month rather than days, and since August 1, 2026 the itemized statement may go out up to 15 days after the one-month date, so it falls between the 15 to 30 and 31 to 45 day categories.] |
| Maine | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days for a written lease (or sooner if the lease says); 21 days for a tenancy at will. [Note: Number is the written-lease deadline; tenancies at will have 21 days.] |
| Maryland | 31 to 45 days (45) | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with interest and an itemized list mailed first class. |
| Massachusetts | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. |
| Michigan | 15 to 30 days (30) | Itemized list and balance within 30 days; sue within 45 days for disputed amounts. |
| Minnesota | 15 to 30 days (21) | Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and you get a forwarding address. |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. |
| Montana | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days with an itemized list; 10 days if there are no deductions. [Note: Two deadlines: number is the 30-day itemized deadline; 10 days applies with no deductions.] |
| Nebraska | 14 days or less (14) | Within 14 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemization. |
| Nevada | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized written accounting. |
| New Hampshire | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the tenancy ends, with interest if owed. |
| New Jersey | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the tenancy ends, by personal delivery or registered or certified mail. |
| New Mexico | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant leaves, whichever is later, with an itemized list. |
| New York | 14 days or less (14) | 14 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized statement. |
| North Carolina | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, with an itemized list. [Note: If damages cannot be set within 30 days, an interim accounting is due then and a final one within 60 days.] |
| North Dakota | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession, with an itemized notice. |
| Ohio | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives back possession. |
| Oklahoma | 31 to 45 days (45) | 45 days after move-out, delivery of possession, and the tenant's written demand. |
| Oregon | 31 to 45 days (31) | 31 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant returns possession. |
| Pennsylvania | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the lease ends or the unit is surrendered and accepted, whichever comes first. |
| Rhode Island | 15 to 30 days (20) | 20 days after the later of move-out, return of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address. |
| South Carolina | 15 to 30 days (30) | 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, or after the tenant's demand, whichever is later. |
| South Dakota | 15 to 30 days (21) | 21 days after the tenancy ends and you receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. [Note: Number is the deadline to return the deposit or give a written statement of reasons; a full itemized accounting on request is due within 45 days.] |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | 15 to 30 days (30) | Refund within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises. |
| Utah | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. |
| Vermont | 14 days or less (14) | Within 14 days after the tenant vacates (60 days for seasonal non-primary rentals). |
| Virginia | 31 to 45 days (45) | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever is later. |
| Washington | 15 to 30 days (30) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out. |
| West Virginia | More than 45 days (60) | Within 60 days after the tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter. [Note: Number is the general deadline; it shortens to 45 days after a new tenant moves in if that comes first.] |
| Wisconsin | 15 to 30 days (21) | Within 21 days after the tenancy ends (or after the tenant vacates, in some cases). |
| Wyoming | More than 45 days (60) | Within 30 days after termination, or 15 days after receiving the renter's new address, whichever is later; add 30 days if there is damage. [Note: Two deadlines: 30 days without damage deductions; number is the 60-day deadline (30 plus 30) that applies when deducting for damage.] |
Late fee limits
Does state law set a specific cap or formula for residential late fees, only a reasonableness standard, or no statute at all?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Specific cap or formulaReasonableness standard onlyNo statewide statuteNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not verified | |
| Alaska | Not verified | |
| Arizona | Not verified | |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | Not verified | |
| Colorado | Specific cap or formula | Greater of $50 or 5% of the past due rent, only after rent is 7 calendar days late. |
| Connecticut | Specific cap or formula | After a 9-day grace period, the lesser of $5 a day (up to $50) or 5% of the late rent. |
| Delaware | Specific cap or formula | Up to 5% of monthly rent, and only after rent is more than 5 days late. |
| District of Columbia | Specific cap or formula | Up to 5% of the rent due, only after 5 days late, and only once per late payment. |
| Florida | Not verified | |
| Georgia | Not verified | |
| Hawaii | Specific cap or formula | Up to 8% of the rent due. |
| Idaho | Reasonableness standard only | Must be reasonable and no more than the rental agreement states. |
| Illinois | Not verified | |
| Indiana | Not verified | |
| Iowa | Specific cap or formula | Rent $700 or less: $12 a day, $60 a month max. Above $700: $20 a day, $100 a month max. |
| Kansas | Not verified | |
| Kentucky | No statewide statute | No statewide statute. |
| Louisiana | Not verified | |
| Maine | Specific cap or formula | Up to 4 percent of one month's rent, only after rent is 15 days late. |
| Maryland | Specific cap or formula | No more than 5 percent of the unpaid rent for the period. |
| Massachusetts | Unclear | No late fee or interest until rent is 30 days late. [Note: The statute bars any late fee before day 30, but the text states no cap, formula, or reasonableness standard for fees after that, so none of the three categories fits.] |
| Michigan | Not verified | |
| Minnesota | Specific cap or formula | Up to 8% of the overdue rent, only if agreed in writing. |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps late fees. |
| Montana | Not verified | |
| Nebraska | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps late fees. |
| Nevada | Specific cap or formula | Max 5% of periodic rent, and none until 3 calendar days after rent is due. |
| New Hampshire | Not verified | |
| New Jersey | Unclear | No statewide cap; 5 business day grace period for seniors and certain benefit recipients. [Note: A statute sets a grace period for some tenants but the text states no cap, formula, or reasonableness standard, so it is neither a cap nor a case of no statute.] |
| New Mexico | Specific cap or formula | Max 5% of the rent for each period in default, if the lease allows late fees. |
| New York | Specific cap or formula | Lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent, and only after rent is 5 days late. |
| North Carolina | Specific cap or formula | Greater of $15 or 5% of monthly rent, and only after 5 calendar days late. |
| North Dakota | Not verified | |
| Ohio | No statewide statute | No statewide statute. |
| Oklahoma | Not verified | |
| Oregon | Specific cap or formula | a daily fee starting day 5, capped at 6% of a reasonable flat fee per day; or 5% of the rent for each 5-day period late starting day 5. [Note: The statute limits fees to three listed structures; the flat-fee option only has to be reasonable.] |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide statute | No statewide statute sets a cap or grace period. |
| Rhode Island | Not verified | |
| South Carolina | Not verified | |
| South Dakota | Not verified | |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | Unclear | A fee is presumed reasonable if it is no more than 12% of monthly rent for buildings with four or fewer units, or 10% for buildings with more than four units. [Note: The governing test is reasonableness; the 12% and 10% figures are a presumption of reasonableness, not a hard cap, so it sits between the first two categories.] |
| Utah | Specific cap or formula | Capped at the greater of 10% of rent or $75. |
| Vermont | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps or regulates late fees. |
| Virginia | Specific cap or formula | Only if in the written lease; capped at the lesser of 10% of rent or 10% of the unpaid balance. |
| Washington | Unclear | No late fee if rent is paid within 5 days of the due date. No statewide dollar cap. [Note: A statute sets a 5-day grace period but the text states no cap, formula, or reasonableness standard, so it is neither a cap nor a case of no statute.] |
| West Virginia | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps or regulates residential late fees. |
| Wisconsin | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps late fees. |
| Wyoming | No statewide statute | No statewide statute caps or regulates late fees. |
Landlord entry notice
How much advance notice must a landlord give before a non-emergency entry?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
24 hours48 hoursOther set periodNo statewide statuteNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 48 hours (48) | At least 2 days' notice, at reasonable times, except emergencies. [Note: 2 days converted to 48 hours.] |
| Alaska | 24 hours (24) | At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times, except emergencies. |
| Arizona | 48 hours (48) | At least 2 days' notice, at reasonable times, except emergencies. [Note: 2 days converted to 48 hours.] |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | 24 hours (24) | Reasonable written notice, presumed 24 hours (6 days if mailed). |
| Colorado | Unclear | No general entry notice statute. 24 hours' written notice to enter for habitability repairs. [Note: There is no general entry notice statute; the 24-hour rule covers only entry for habitability repairs.] |
| Connecticut | Other set period | Reasonable written or oral notice, at reasonable times, except emergencies. [Note: The statute requires reasonable notice but sets no number of hours.] |
| Delaware | 48 hours (48) | 48 hours' notice, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., except emergencies. |
| District of Columbia | 48 hours (48) | 48 hours' written notice, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., not on Sundays or federal holidays. |
| Florida | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' notice for repairs, between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. |
| Georgia | Not verified | |
| Hawaii | 48 hours (48) | At least two days' notice, during reasonable hours. [Note: 2 days converted to 48 hours.] |
| Idaho | No statewide statute | No statute. The lease controls. |
| Illinois | Not verified | |
| Indiana | Other set period | Reasonable written or oral notice, at reasonable times. [Note: The statute requires reasonable notice but sets no number of hours.] |
| Iowa | 24 hours (24) | At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times. |
| Kansas | Other set period | Reasonable notice, at reasonable hours. [Note: The statute requires reasonable notice but sets no number of hours.] |
| Kentucky | Unclear | URLTA areas: at least 2 days' notice and reasonable times; no notice in emergencies. [Note: The 2-day rule applies only in areas that adopted URLTA; outside those areas no statute sets entry rules.] |
| Louisiana | Not verified | |
| Maine | 24 hours (24) | Reasonable notice, presumed to be 24 hours, at reasonable times. |
| Maryland | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' written notice, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. |
| Massachusetts | Other set period | Only to inspect, repair, or show the unit; no set notice period. [Note: A statute limits the purposes of entry but sets no advance notice period.] |
| Michigan | Not verified | |
| Minnesota | 24 hours (24) | Reasonable business purpose, 24 hours' notice, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | No statewide statute | No statewide statute; set terms in the lease. |
| Montana | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' notice and reasonable times, except emergencies. |
| Nebraska | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' written notice with the purpose and time window. |
| Nevada | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' notice, during normal business hours, except in an emergency. |
| New Hampshire | Other set period | Tenant consent required except for emergency repairs; no fixed notice period. [Note: The statute requires notice adequate under the circumstances but sets no number of hours.] |
| New Jersey | Unclear | No general statute; one day's notice is treated as reasonable for inspections and repairs in multiple dwellings. [Note: There is no general entry statute; one day's notice applies only to code inspections and repairs in buildings of 3 or more units.] |
| New Mexico | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' written notice stating purpose, date and estimated time. |
| New York | Not verified | |
| North Carolina | No statewide statute | No statewide statute; set entry terms in the lease. |
| North Dakota | Other set period | Reasonable hours with tenant consent; notice of a set time counts as consent if the tenant does not object. [Note: The statute addresses consent and timing but sets no number of hours.] |
| Ohio | 24 hours (24) | Reasonable notice. 24 hours is presumed reasonable. |
| Oklahoma | 24 hours (24) | At least one day's notice, at reasonable times. [Note: 1 day converted to 24 hours.] |
| Oregon | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' actual notice, at reasonable times. |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide statute | No statewide statute. Follow the lease. |
| Rhode Island | 48 hours (48) | At least two days' notice, at reasonable times. [Note: 2 days converted to 48 hours.] |
| South Carolina | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times. |
| South Dakota | 24 hours (24) | Reasonable notice. 24 hours' written notice is presumed reasonable. |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | No statewide statute | No statewide statute sets an entry notice period. |
| Utah | 24 hours (24) | 24 hours' notice, unless the rental agreement says otherwise. |
| Vermont | 48 hours (48) | 48 hours' notice, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. |
| Virginia | Other set period (72) | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant did not request. [Note: General entry needs reasonable notice with no set hours; the 72 hours applies to routine maintenance the tenant did not request.] |
| Washington | 48 hours (48) | Two days' written notice; one day's notice to show the unit. [Note: 2 days converted to 48 hours; showings need one day (24 hours).] |
| West Virginia | No statewide statute | No statewide statute sets an entry notice period. |
| Wisconsin | Other set period (12) | 12 hours' advance notice, for inspection, repairs, or showing. |
| Wyoming | No statewide statute | No statute sets entry notice. |
Nonpayment notice period
How many days must a nonpayment (pay or quit) notice give the tenant before the landlord can terminate or file?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
No notice required3 days or less4 to 7 days8 to 14 daysMore than 14 daysNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7 business days' written notice to pay, or the lease ends. [Note: Counted in business days; category uses the stated count.] |
| Alaska | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7 days' written notice to pay in full. |
| Arizona | 4 to 7 days (5) | 5 days' written notice to pay or the landlord may file. |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day notice to pay or quit, not counting weekends and court holidays. [Note: Weekends and court holidays are excluded; category uses the stated count.] |
| Colorado | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10 days' written demand for rent or possession. [Note: Exempt residential agreements may use 5 days.] |
| Connecticut | 3 days or less (3) | After the 9-day grace period, serve a notice to quit with at least 3 full days. [Note: The notice can be served only after a 9-day grace period.] |
| Delaware | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7-day written notice to pay before filing (5 days before September 1, 2026). |
| District of Columbia | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10-day written notice before filing, and only if the tenant owes $600 or more. |
| Florida | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day notice to pay or vacate, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. [Note: Weekends and legal holidays are excluded; category uses the stated count.] |
| Georgia | 3 days or less (3) | Written notice to vacate or pay all past-due amounts within 3 business days before filing. [Note: Counted in business days; category uses the stated count.] |
| Hawaii | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10 calendar days' written notice to pay, also sent to a state-funded mediation center. |
| Idaho | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day written notice to pay or give up possession. |
| Illinois | 4 to 7 days (5) | Written demand giving at least 5 days after service to pay in full. |
| Indiana | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10 days' notice to pay or move out. |
| Iowa | 3 days or less (3) | 3 days' written notice to pay or the lease ends. |
| Kansas | 3 days or less (3) | 3 days' written notice to pay or the lease ends. |
| Kentucky | Unclear | URLTA areas: 7 days' written notice to pay or the lease ends. Elsewhere, no statutory pay period. [Note: The 7-day notice applies only in areas that adopted URLTA; elsewhere no statute sets a pay-or-quit period.] |
| Louisiana | 4 to 7 days (5) | Written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days, unless the lease waives notice. [Note: The lease may waive this notice.] |
| Maine | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7-day written notice once rent is 7 or more days late. |
| Maryland | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10 days' written notice to cure before filing. |
| Massachusetts | 8 to 14 days (14) | 14-day written notice to quit. |
| Michigan | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7-day written demand for possession. |
| Minnesota | 8 to 14 days (14) | 14-day written notice with required statements before filing. |
| Mississippi | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day written notice to pay or the agreement ends. |
| Missouri | No notice required | Demand the rent; no set notice period. [Note: A demand for rent is required before filing, but no notice period is set.] |
| Montana | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day written notice to pay or the agreement ends. |
| Nebraska | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7 calendar days' written notice. |
| Nevada | 4 to 7 days (7) | 7 judicial days' notice to pay rent or quit (summary eviction). [Note: Counted in judicial days; category uses the stated count.] |
| New Hampshire | 4 to 7 days (7) | Demand for rent plus a 7-day eviction notice. |
| New Jersey | No notice required | No notice to quit required before filing for nonpayment. |
| New Mexico | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate. |
| New York | 8 to 14 days (14) | 14-day written rent demand. |
| North Carolina | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10-day written demand for past-due rent unless the lease provides its own forfeiture terms. |
| North Dakota | 3 days or less (3) | 3 days' written notice of intent to evict once rent is 3 days past due. |
| Ohio | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day notice to leave the premises before filing eviction. |
| Oklahoma | 4 to 7 days (5) | 5-day written demand for rent. |
| Oregon | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10-day notice served on day 8 or later, or 13-day notice served on day 5 or later. [Note: Number is the 10-day option; a 13-day notice may be served from day 5 instead.] |
| Pennsylvania | 8 to 14 days (10) | 10-day notice to quit after demand for unpaid rent. [Note: A written lease can shorten or waive the notice.] |
| Rhode Island | 4 to 7 days (5) | Once rent is 15 days late, mail a 5-day demand notice. |
| South Carolina | 4 to 7 days (5) | 5 days after rent is due, with written notice. The lease can supply the notice. |
| South Dakota | No notice required | The separate 3-day notice to quit was repealed in 2024. [Note: Eviction may be filed once rent is 3 days past due.] |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | 3 days or less (3) | Three days' written notice to vacate, unless the lease sets a different period. |
| Utah | 3 days or less (3) | 3 business days' notice to pay rent or vacate. [Note: Counted in business days; category uses the stated count.] |
| Vermont | 8 to 14 days (14) | At least 14 days' actual notice of the termination date. |
| Virginia | 8 to 14 days (14) | 14-day written notice to pay or the lease ends. |
| Washington | 8 to 14 days (14) | 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, on the state form. |
| West Virginia | No notice required | No statutory notice is required before filing a summary eviction petition. |
| Wisconsin | 4 to 7 days (5) | 5-day pay or vacate for most tenants [Note: Number is the general 5-day notice; repeat violations within 12 months get a 14-day notice with no cure.] |
| Wyoming | 3 days or less (3) | 3-day notice to quit after rent is 3 days late. |
Rent control
Does the state set a statewide rent increase cap, bar local rent control, or have no statewide ban that we found?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Statewide capNo statewide ban foundLocal rent control preemptedNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is banned by state law. |
| Alaska | Not verified | |
| Arizona | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Cities and towns may not control rents. |
| Arkansas | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Local governments cannot regulate rent, rental application fees, or rental deposits. |
| California | Statewide cap | Statewide cap of 5% plus local CPI, never more than 10%, per 12 months (AB 1482). |
| Colorado | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is preempted. |
| Connecticut | Not verified | |
| Delaware | Not verified | |
| District of Columbia | Statewide cap | Yes. Rent stabilization covers most older buildings. Increases are capped at CPI-W plus 2%, never above 10%. [Note: DC's rent stabilization law applies across the whole District.] |
| Florida | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Local governments cannot adopt or keep rent control. |
| Georgia | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Cities and counties cannot regulate rent amounts. |
| Hawaii | Unclear | No statewide rent control. [Note: The text does not say whether counties may adopt rent control or are barred from it.] |
| Idaho | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Local governments cannot regulate rent, fees, or deposits. |
| Illinois | Local rent control preempted | Preempted. Local governments, including home rule units, cannot adopt rent control. |
| Indiana | Local rent control preempted | Prohibited. Local governments cannot regulate rent. |
| Iowa | Local rent control preempted | Cities may not adopt or enforce limits on rent for private residential property. [Note: The text names cities only.] |
| Kansas | Local rent control preempted | No city, county or township may enact or enforce rent control on private residential or commercial property. |
| Kentucky | Unclear | No state rent control law. Local landlord-tenant ordinances that conflict with state law are barred. [Note: The text does not say whether a local rent control ordinance would count as conflicting with state law, so it is unclear whether local rent control is barred.] |
| Louisiana | Not verified | |
| Maine | Not verified | |
| Maryland | Not verified | |
| Massachusetts | Local rent control preempted | No city or town may enact, maintain or enforce rent control except as G.L. c. 40P allows. |
| Michigan | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is banned. |
| Minnesota | No statewide ban found | Only if local voters approve it at a general election. |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | Local rent control preempted | No county or city may regulate the amount of rent for private residential property. |
| Montana | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is prohibited. |
| Nebraska | No statewide ban found | We did not find a state law that expressly preempts local rent control, so check city ordinances. [Note: No state statute bars local rent control; the text names no local ordinance.] |
| Nevada | Not verified | |
| New Hampshire | Not verified | |
| New Jersey | No statewide ban found | No statewide rent control on apartments, but municipalities may adopt it. |
| New Mexico | Local rent control preempted | Rent control is banned statewide. |
| New York | No statewide ban found | No statewide cap; rent stabilization and Good Cause apply in NYC and opt-in localities. |
| North Carolina | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is banned. |
| North Dakota | Local rent control preempted | Local rent control is banned. |
| Ohio | Local rent control preempted | Banned. Cities and counties cannot impose rent control. |
| Oklahoma | Local rent control preempted | Banned. Cities cannot regulate rent on private housing. |
| Oregon | Statewide cap | Statewide rent cap: 9.5% for 2026 and 10% for 2027 for ordinary residential tenancies. |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide ban found | we did not find a state law that expressly preempts local rent control [Note: No state statute bars local rent control; the text names no local ordinance.] |
| Rhode Island | Not verified | |
| South Carolina | Local rent control preempted | Banned. Counties and cities cannot regulate rent on private housing. |
| South Dakota | Not verified | |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | Local rent control preempted | Effectively banned. Cities may adopt rent control only in a declared disaster with the governor's approval. [Note: Narrow exception for a declared disaster with the governor's approval.] |
| Utah | Local rent control preempted | Prohibited. Local governments cannot control rents or fees without legislative approval. |
| Vermont | No statewide ban found | Chapter 137 neither sets nor bans rent control. [Note: No state statute bars local rent control; the text names no local ordinance.] |
| Virginia | Not verified | |
| Washington | Statewide cap | Statewide cap: no increase in the first 12 months, then 7% plus CPI or 10% (whichever is less) per 12 months. |
| West Virginia | No statewide ban found | Articles 6 and 6A of Chapter 37 neither set nor ban rent control. [Note: No state statute bars local rent control; the text names no local ordinance.] |
| Wisconsin | Local rent control preempted | Prohibited. Cities, villages, towns, and counties cannot regulate rent or fees. |
| Wyoming | No statewide ban found | Wyoming statutes neither set nor ban rent control [Note: No state statute bars local rent control; the text names no local ordinance.] |
Application and screening fees
What does state law allow a landlord to charge a rental applicant for applying and screening?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Dollar capActual cost limitBannedNo statewide limitNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not verified | |
| Alaska | Not verified | |
| Arizona | Not verified | |
| Arkansas | Not verified | |
| California | Dollar cap | Actual cost only, capped at $30 adjusted for inflation since 1998. [Note: Also limited to actual cost; classed by its dollar ceiling.] |
| Colorado | Actual cost limit | Fee may cover only actual screening costs. |
| Connecticut | Dollar cap | No application fees. A screening report fee of up to $50, adjusted yearly for inflation, is allowed. [Note: Application fees are banned, but a screening report fee capped at $50 (inflation-adjusted) is allowed; classed by that cap.] |
| Delaware | Dollar cap | Greater of 10% of monthly rent or $50. [Note: The cap is the greater of 10% of monthly rent or $50.] |
| District of Columbia | Dollar cap | Application fee capped at $50, adjusted each year for inflation since January 1, 2024. |
| Florida | No statewide limit | No statewide cap. |
| Georgia | Not verified | |
| Hawaii | Not verified | |
| Idaho | No statewide limit | No statewide cap. |
| Illinois | Unclear | No cap until January 1, 2027, then $50 for most properties. No fee if the applicant brings a qualifying reusable screening report. [Note: As of the index date no dollar cap is in force; a $50 cap applies to leases from January 1, 2027, and fees are already barred when an applicant brings a qualifying reusable screening report.] |
| Indiana | Not verified | |
| Iowa | Not verified | |
| Kansas | Not verified | |
| Kentucky | No statewide limit | No statewide statute. |
| Louisiana | Not verified | |
| Maine | Actual cost limit | No application fee; you may charge only the actual cost of one screening. |
| Maryland | Unclear | Fees over $25 must be refunded except actual screening costs, within 15 days. [Note: The rule combines a $25 threshold with an actual-cost allowance and applies only to landlords offering 5 or more units at one location, so it is neither a plain dollar cap nor a plain actual-cost limit.] |
| Massachusetts | Banned | Not allowed for landlords or their agents. |
| Michigan | Not verified | |
| Minnesota | No statewide limit | Allowed with written criteria; refund if unused or rejected for unlisted reasons. [Note: The statute sets disclosure and refund conditions; no amount cap is stated.] |
| Mississippi | Not verified | |
| Missouri | No statewide limit | No statewide statute. |
| Montana | Not verified | |
| Nebraska | No statewide limit | No statewide statute. |
| Nevada | No statewide limit | No cap, but refund fees you do not use, and no fees for minors. |
| New Hampshire | No statewide limit | No cap; disclose in writing first and refund unused amounts within 30 days. |
| New Jersey | Dollar cap | Capped at $50 per application starting May 1, 2026. |
| New Mexico | Dollar cap | Screening fee max $50, with written notice and consent; no other application fees. |
| New York | Dollar cap | Only background and credit check costs, up to $20 or actual cost, whichever is less. |
| North Carolina | No statewide limit | No statewide statute caps application fees. |
| North Dakota | Not verified | |
| Ohio | No statewide limit | No statewide statute. |
| Oklahoma | Not verified | |
| Oregon | Actual cost limit | Screening charge only for actual costs, one per 60 days, with written criteria first. |
| Pennsylvania | No statewide limit | No statewide statute. |
| Rhode Island | Actual cost limit | Otherwise you may charge only the actual cost, and must give the applicant a copy. [Note: Application fees are banned, but the actual cost of a background check and credit report may be charged unless the applicant provides one issued within 90 days; classed by that limit.] |
| South Carolina | Not verified | |
| South Dakota | Not verified | |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | No statewide limit | No cap. Give written selection criteria at application time or refund the fee if you reject. |
| Utah | No statewide limit | No cap, but written disclosures are required before taking any fee. |
| Vermont | Banned | Application fees are banned. |
| Virginia | Dollar cap | Application fee capped at $50 plus actual third-party screening costs ($32 for HUD-regulated units). |
| Washington | Actual cost limit | Screening charges limited to actual costs, and only after written disclosure of criteria. |
| West Virginia | No statewide limit | No cap or refund deadline in state law. |
| Wisconsin | Dollar cap | Credit check fee: actual cost up to $25, and you must give the applicant a copy of the report. |
| Wyoming | No statewide limit | No statewide statute regulates application or screening fees. |
Property manager licensing
What license, if any, does a third party need to manage residential rentals for others for compensation?
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Real estate license requiredSeparate property management licenseNo license requiredDependsNot verified or unclear
Show every state with the rule text it is based on
| State | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or salesperson license under a qualifying broker and licensed company |
| Alaska | Real estate license required | Real estate broker, associate broker, or salesperson license |
| Arizona | Real estate license required | Leasing or managing real estate for others for compensation is regulated brokerage. |
| Arkansas | Separate property management license | Act 392 of 2025 created a separate property management broker license [Note: A real estate broker license also qualifies; the commission's initial rules were due by June 1, 2026.] |
| California | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (salespersons may work under a supervising broker) |
| Colorado | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (associate broker under an employing broker) |
| Connecticut | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (salespersons work under a broker) |
| Delaware | Depends | A provider of property management services (maintenance oversight, rent collection, budgeting, holding deposits, helping the owner pick tenants) is exempt only if it does not lease, rent, or negotiate leases for others. [Note: license_required is "varies": leasing for others needs a real estate license; management without leasing does not.] |
| District of Columbia | Separate property management license | DC Property Manager license (a DC real estate broker license also qualifies) |
| Florida | Not verified | |
| Georgia | Not verified | |
| Hawaii | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or salesperson under a broker |
| Idaho | No license required | None for leasing or rental management. |
| Illinois | Not verified | |
| Indiana | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (Indiana has a single broker license level; brokers work under a managing broker and broker company) |
| Iowa | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or salesperson license under a broker |
| Kansas | No license required | No license needed for residential property management |
| Kentucky | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or sales associate license under a broker |
| Louisiana | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or salesperson license sponsored by a broker |
| Maine | Not verified | |
| Maryland | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license, or associate broker or salesperson license under a broker |
| Massachusetts | Depends | so the answer depends on whether you lease for a fee or manage under contract [Note: license_required is "varies".] |
| Michigan | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or a salesperson or associate broker working for a broker) |
| Minnesota | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson licensed under a broker) |
| Mississippi | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson under a responsible broker) |
| Missouri | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson or broker-salesperson associated with a broker) |
| Montana | Separate property management license | Property manager license (separate license), or a real estate broker license |
| Nebraska | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson under a broker) |
| Nevada | Real estate license required | Real estate broker, broker-salesperson or salesperson license plus a permit to engage in property management [Note: A property management permit is also required on top of the real estate license.] |
| New Hampshire | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson under a principal broker) |
| New Jersey | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson licensed under a broker) |
| New Mexico | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (qualifying broker, or associate broker under a qualifying broker) |
| New York | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson associated with a broker) |
| North Carolina | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (provisional brokers must work under a broker-in-charge) |
| North Dakota | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson employed by a broker) |
| Ohio | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson working under a broker) |
| Oklahoma | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or sales associate or broker associate under a broker) |
| Oregon | Separate property management license | Real estate property manager license, or a principal broker license |
| Pennsylvania | Real estate license required | Property must be managed by a licensed broker. |
| Rhode Island | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson under a broker) |
| South Carolina | Separate property management license | South Carolina has a separate property manager license |
| South Dakota | Separate property management license | Property manager license or broker license |
| Tennessee | Not verified | |
| Texas | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or sales agent sponsored by a broker) |
| Utah | Real estate license required | Today that means a principal broker, associate broker, or sales agent license. [Note: A separate property manager license starts January 1, 2027.] |
| Vermont | No license required | None for leasing or managing rentals |
| Virginia | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (salespersons work under a broker; business entities need a firm license) |
| Washington | Real estate license required | Real estate broker or managing broker license, working under a licensed real estate firm |
| West Virginia | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (or salesperson or associate broker under a broker) |
| Wisconsin | Real estate license required | Real estate broker license (salespersons work under a licensed firm) |
| Wyoming | Real estate license required | Real estate broker or salesperson license (property management is real estate activity) |
Method
Each state page answers the same questions from the official statute, with the citation and a verification label. For this index, each answer was sorted into a category using only its own verified text, and the exact phrase it relies on is shown in the table. Answers that were not verified against the official source are marked "Not verified" and excluded from the counts. Cities and counties can set stricter rules that this index does not cover.
You can cite this index with a link to this page. If a value looks wrong, tell us with the statute and we will correct it.
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