Security Deposits
15 articles
A security deposit is money you give a landlord when you sign a lease, held as protection in case you damage the rental or break the lease terms. Understanding how deposits work—what landlords can charge, what they must return, and what deductions are legal—matters because the rules vary by state and locality, and disputes over deposits are common when tenants move out.
These articles explain what happens to your deposit during your tenancy, how to document the rental's condition to protect yourself, what deductions landlords can legally make, and how to recover money if a landlord wrongfully keeps part or all of your deposit.
What Landlords Can Deduct From Your Security Deposit
When Landlords Must Return Your Security Deposit
How to Challenge a Security Deposit Deduction
How to Document Your Apartment's Condition Before Moving In
Where to Find Help Paying a Security Deposit
Getting Your Full Security Deposit Back When You Move Out
How to Write a Security Deposit Demand Letter
When Landlords Ask for Last Month's Rent Instead of a Security Deposit
What to Document When You Move Into a Rental
How to Document Your Move-Out and Protect Your Security Deposit
Finding Apartments Without Paying a Security Deposit Upfront
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage: Where Landlords Draw the Line
Security Deposit Insurance: What It Costs and What It Actually Covers
How Security Deposit Laws Differ Across States