21 days after lease ends and you surrender the unit.
The rule
In Idaho, the clock starts when: lease ends and you surrender the unit. The landlord then has 21 calendar days. The statute says:
“Refunds shall be made within twenty-one (21) days if no time is fixed by agreement and, in any event, within thirty (30) days after surrender of the premises by the tenant.”
If your lease sets a time, it can be up to 30 days; check the lease.
For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 22, 2026, the date would be Nov 12, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.
What the landlord has to send
A signed statement itemizing the amounts kept, their purpose, and a detailed list of expenditures.
Do this
On move-out day
Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.
Deductions and wear and tear
The landlord shall not retain any part of a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear (§6-321(1)).
For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.
If the deadline passes
We haven't summarised Idaho's penalty section yet.
The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.
Your next steps
- Dated move-out plan for Idaho: notice, the steps that start the clock, and the deadline.
- Letters: forwarding address · deposit demand · notice to vacate
- Small claims: we haven't verified Idaho's limit or self-help page yet.
- Idaho tenant-rights hub
Sources
- Idaho Code §6-321(2) · checked 2026-10-05
Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.