Security Deposit: Your Quick Guide for Tenants and Landlords

When you sign a lease, the first thing most landlords ask for is a security deposit. It feels like another bill, but it’s really a safety net for both sides. Knowing the rules helps you keep that money in your pocket when you move out.

How Security Deposits Work

In most states, a landlord can ask for one month’s rent as a deposit, though some places allow up to two months. The deposit sits in a separate account and should not be mixed with the landlord’s personal funds. When you move out, the landlord checks the unit for damage beyond everyday wear and tear. If everything looks good, the full amount is returned, usually within 30 days.

What counts as damage? Broken windows, scratched floors, or missing fixtures are fair game. A faded paint coat or a small nail hole usually isn’t, unless the lease says otherwise. Keep a copy of the move‑in checklist; it’s the best evidence if there’s a dispute.

Tips to Protect Your Deposit

1. Document the space. Take photos or videos of every room on day one. Focus on walls, floors, appliances, and any existing marks. Store the files with timestamps so you have proof of the original condition.

2. Read the lease. Look for clauses about cleaning fees, pet deposits, or “non‑refundable” charges. If something sounds odd, ask the landlord to clarify before you sign.

3. Keep receipts. If you pay for professional cleaning or repairs, hold onto the receipts. You can use them to argue for a full refund.

4. Do a final walkthrough. Ask the landlord to walk through with you before you hand over the keys. Note any issues they point out and fix them if possible.

5. Know your state’s timeline. Some states require landlords to return the deposit within a specific number of days, often 30. If they don’t, you may be entitled to pay‑back plus interest.

Maryland, for example, treats security deposits like rent: they’re refundable unless there’s documented damage. Tenants there can also claim the deposit if the landlord doesn’t provide a written itemized list of deductions.

Bottom line: treat the security deposit as a contract. Stay organized, ask questions early, and follow the move‑out checklist. With a little effort, you’ll avoid surprise deductions and walk away with your money intact.