Rental deposits, also called security deposits, are commonly requested by landlords when renting out properties. Rental deposits are paid by tenants to landlords, who hold the funds and may use them to pay for any damages to the property. Laws regarding the amount of rental deposits and how they are to be used and returned vary by state. Generally, rental deposits are equal to one month's rent, though the amount can vary. Rental deposits are held until the tenant moves out of the property; the landlord then assesses any damage to the property and deducts the amount of damage from the rental deposit. Any remaining money is then returned to the tenant. If the landlord makes deductions for damages, the landlord must provide the tenant with a detailed list of the damages as well as repair estimates or repair bills. If a landlord fails to return a security deposit within the prescribed amount of time, a tenant may sue the landlord.