If the parties did not fix another period.
The agreement cannot extend the deadline beyond 30 days after surrender.
Section 6-321 expressly excludes normal wear and tear.
Must identify amounts retained, purpose and expenditures.
What to preserve
- Signed lease and deposit arrangement.
- Date the lease/rental agreement ended.
- Date the premises and keys were surrendered.
- Full or partial refund.
- Signed itemized deduction statement.
- Move-in/move-out photos and invoices supporting disputed work.
Do not assume every Idaho lease uses 30 days
Twenty-one days is the statutory default. A different agreed period can be shorter or longer, but the statute sets a 30-day outside limit.
Official sources
Primary Idaho security-deposit statute covering refund timing, normal wear, itemized deductions and separate-account duties for certain third-party managers.
Idaho Office of the Attorney GeneralLandlord and Tenant Guidelines ↗Current official Idaho consumer manual explaining the 21-day rule, agreement extension up to 30 days, wear vs damage and tenant demand procedure.
Idaho Judicial Branch Court Assistance OfficeIdaho’s Security Deposit Law ↗Official court self-help guide explaining Idaho Code §§ 6-320 and 6-321, itemization, demand letters and small-claims procedure.