Security Deposit Refunds: What Tenants Can Legally Demand
Deductions must be itemised, reasonable and backed by the agreement. Here is how to document your move-out and get your money back on time.
The security deposit is the tenant's money held in trust. It is not a fee, and it is not the landlord's cushion for normal wear and tear.
Fair deductions vs unfair deductions
- Fair: unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, repair of damage beyond normal wear.
- Unfair: repainting a wall that was already due for repainting, routine deep cleaning, fixtures that failed with age.
Build your evidence on day one
Photograph every room, appliance and meter reading at move-in and attach the set as an annexure to the agreement. A dated inventory annexure settles ninety percent of deposit arguments before they start.
If the refund is delayed
Send a written demand with the itemised handover report. If it stays unresolved, tenants can approach the Rent Controller or the consumer forum; model tenancy law in adopting states prescribes interest on wrongfully withheld deposits.
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