Deposit & return

What's legal with deposits + how to get money back

Rules

  • •Deposit = 1 month's rent; more is unreasonable
  • •Realtor fee 50–100% of monthly rent — paid by whoever hired them
  • •Deposit returns minus real damage, not 'wear and tear'
  • •Deposit terms go in the contract: amount and return deadline
  • •Handover act with photos is the only proof of condition at exit
  • •'No return for early exit' — valid only if written in the contract

The law doesn't fix the return deadline — typically 5–30 days after move-out. Deductions must be proven: act + photos + repair receipts. Dispute path: written demand → claim → small-claims lawsuit (up to 100 subsistence minimums).