Security deposit laws vary by state. Some states impose limits on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, other states have no statutory limits, which means that there is no limit to the amount landlords can charge for a security deposit. Similarly, laws determining when a landlord must refund the security deposit also vary by state. The security deposit laws for some states specify that a landlord has thirty days to refund a security deposit. A landlord may make deductions for damages to the property and return only a portion of the security deposit. If this is the case, the landlord must give the tenant a written statement detailing the deductions. Damages include holes in walls, broken appliances, and burn marks. General wear and tear, such as faded paint, is usually not deducted from a security deposit. If a tenant violates the rental agreement, the landlord may be allowed to keep the full security deposit.