Walk It Through: The Deposit After Moving Out

Keys handed back, a carpet worn by years of use, a refund that does not come, and twice the amount.

A tenant gives proper notice, moves out, and hands back the keys.

Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.

A deposit on an apartment renting for $2,000 a month or less. A lease ending without proper notice, pet deposits, and a sale of the building are left out.

A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.

Words this turns on

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

Normal wear and tearDeterioration from ordinary use, which is not damage the landlord can take from the deposit.
Security depositMoney held against unpaid rent and damage, capped at two months' rent where the rent is $2,000 a month or less, and kept in a trust account where practicable.