Rent and Security Deposits

Paying rent is the most straightforward part of renting a house or apartment. The landlord sets an amount for rent, and the tenant pays this amount per the rental agreement.

Security deposits are not a part of the monthly rent. A security deposit is an amount of money paid before or at the start of the renter's lease, sometimes together with first month's rent. The landlord holds on to this sum of money throughout the rental period. After the lease agreement ends, the landlord must return this money to the tenant, less any itemized deductions for damages. This does not include normal wear and tear.

State laws dictate when the landlord must return the security deposit after the end of the lease.

Landlords and Security Deposits

State laws often regulate how landlords handle a tenant's security deposit. Many states require landlords to keep security deposits in an interest-bearing account. Other states limit the amount of the security deposit a landlord may request. For example, landlords can charge up to two months' rent for an unfurnished rental property in California. Moreover, California landlords must return the security deposit within 21 days of move-out.

Landlords can usually collect the last month's rent upfront in addition to or instead of a security deposit. They cannot, however, use the last month's rent to cover end-of-lease damages, as they can with a security deposit.

Higher Security Deposits

Through the screening process, landlords can check a potential renter's background, including their credit score. Some landlords offset potential risks by asking for a higher security deposit.

Landlords and Rent

Part of the purpose of renting is income generation. Nonpayment of rent can lead to eviction, which is time-consuming and often expensive. To avoid any confusion with paying rent, landlords and property management companies can take measures to ensure rent payments are timely and paid in full.

Lease agreements should outline the following items:

• The rent amount
• Rent due date
• Method(s) of payment
• Late fees, if any

Make sure the tenant receives a receipt every time they pay rent. This can help with any potential disputes.

Renters and Security Deposits

Most landlords require the payment of a deposit before the start of the lease period. Most states require the landlord to deposit this money in an interest-bearing bank account. The tenant gets any interest collected during the lease term.

Receipts

As a tenant, make no assumptions. Get a written receipt for the security deposit and last month's rent, if applicable.

The written receipt should include the following:

• Amount paid
• Date of payment
• Purpose of the payment (i.e., "security deposit")
• The names of the parties involved
• The landlord or property manager's signature

Tenant Move-In

Note the condition of the rental unit before moving in. Take photographs where necessary, document any issues, and have the landlord sign off. That way, the landlord cannot charge you for damage that existed before your lease.

Return of Security Deposit

At least a few weeks before the end of the tenancy, the tenant should give the landlord written notice of their move. This allows the landlord to prepare for a subsequent tenant and to release the security deposit.

To collect their full security deposit, tenants should follow their lease and local law. This includes cleaning the rental property and completing a move-out inspection with the landlord. They should take pictures or a video to back up the assessment. If you do not clean the apartment or if there is any property damage, the landlord may use the security deposit to cover the cost of repairs.

Security Deposit Deductions

If the landlord makes any deductions from the security deposit, they must give the tenant an itemized statement. This itemized list should include all the deductions needed in the rental unit.

The following is a list of possible deductions:

• Unpaid rent
• Unpaid utilities
• Property damage
• Professional cleaning

Once the tenant receives your security deposit, check any deductions, and ensure your landlord has included any interest accrued. If you have any issues with getting your security deposit back, you can sue your landlord in small claims court.

Get Help

Landlord-tenant laws are complex. If your landlord won't return your security deposit, a qualified local landlord-tenant attorney can help.