Idaho Security Deposit Law Explained
If you moved out of an Idaho rental, you are usually looking for a refund, a real written explanation for any deductions, and proof that the landlord followed the correct deadline.
The practical rule
Idaho's default rule is 21 days after the lease ends. The lease can shorten or extend that period, but the period may not be longer than 30 days.
The landlord should return the whole deposit or provide a partial refund with a written statement listing the amounts deducted and how the deductions were spent.
Watch these steps
Check the lease deadline, give a forwarding address in writing, and keep proof of demand delivery. Idaho self-help materials use a written demand and a 3-business-day period after the landlord receives it before filing.
What the landlord can deduct
Idaho materials say the landlord can deduct only for reasons agreed upon in the lease and cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
If the landlord keeps money, compare the itemized statement to the lease, move-in condition, move-out condition, photos, cleaning records, and repair history.
Potential stronger remedies
Idaho self-help materials explain that a judge may award tripled damages, court costs, and attorney fees in the right case, including where the landlord's violation is malicious or intentional.
Treat that as possible, not automatic. Build the record first: deadline, itemization, normal wear, demand delivery, 3-business-day follow-up, and the amount owed.
Sources used for this guide
- Idaho Attorney General - Landlord and Tenant Manual
- Idaho Court Self-Help - Idaho's Security Deposit Law
- Idaho Code Sections 6-320, 6-321, and 6-324
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Next Idaho pages
Idaho's demand workflow is worth doing cleanly. The system keeps the deadline, itemization, demand delivery, and final demand in order.
Get the Idaho Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.