A rental deposit, otherwise known as a security deposit, is an amount of money that is given to a landlord upon entering a lease or rental agreement. The rental deposit is used to offset the risks of financial loss that the landlord may undertake. During the term of the lease, the rental deposit can be used for financial needs such as unpaid rent or tenant caused damages. In the event that the rental deposit is not needed, the rental deposit will be returned in the time specified by state law. The amount of the rental deposit is determined by the landlord, but there are regulations that limit how high the landlord can raise this amount. Normally, the rental deposit is equivalent to a month's rent, or is an amount somewhere in the same general range. Many states make it illegal to gave rental deposits in excess of 2 months rent.