Guides

Short, sourced answers to the questions behind the numbers.

How Security Deposit Deadlines Are Counted, State by StateCalendar days versus business days, what starts the clock, and outer limits: how state deposit statutes count the return deadline. How to File a Small Claims Case: The Usual StepsThe steps most small claims cases follow, with each state's dollar limit and published fees taken from the statute or court page. When a Landlord Does Not Return the Security DepositHow state deadlines for returning a security deposit work, worked dates for real statutes, and how deposit claims fit small claims limits. Serving Small Claims Papers: How the Other Side Is NotifiedWhy service of process matters in small claims, the common methods courts use, and the published service fees found in the sources. Writing a Demand Letter Before a Small Claims CaseWhat a demand letter usually contains, why it matters for deposit deadlines in some states, and how its amount compares to small claims limits.