Security Deposit Shock: 10 Common (and Preventable) Reasons You Won't Get Your Deposit Back
That moment at the end of your lease is filled with excitement for the future and the stress of moving. But there's one final hurdle that fills every renter with anxiety: getting the security deposit back.
This substantial sum of money—often a full month's rent or more—is legally yours. However, landlords can make deductions for a variety of reasons, turning an expected refund into a shocking bill. The good news is that most of these deductions are entirely preventable with a bit of foresight and proactive care.
Before you start packing boxes, here is your guide to the 10 most common reasons renters lose their deposit, and how you can ensure you get every penny back.
1. Insufficient Cleaning
This is the number one reason for deductions. "Clean" to a landlord means move-in ready for the next tenant. It's more than just a quick wipe-down.
How to Prevent It: Follow a detailed end-of-lease cleaning checklist. Deep clean the oven, inside the refrigerator, scrub baseboards, and wash windows. If you're short on time, hiring a professional cleaning service for a few hours can be cheaper than the deductions your landlord might take.
2. Wall Damage Beyond "Normal Wear and Tear"
Small nail holes from pictures are usually considered normal. A dozen large holes from mounting a TV, unpatched and unpainted, are not.
How to Prevent It: Before you move out, purchase a small container of spackle and a tube of paint that matches the wall color. Carefully fill, sand, and paint over any holes you’ve made. It’s a simple DIY task that can save you hundreds.
3. Unreported Maintenance Issues
Did you notice the toilet was always running or that a small crack was forming in a window? If a minor issue you failed to report becomes a major repair later, your landlord might argue that your negligence contributed to the cost.
How to Prevent It: As soon as you notice a problem, report it to your landlord in writing (email works great). This creates a paper trail proving you were responsible. Consider taking photos or videos of your apartment when you move in and again when you move out. A Kangaroo Indoor Security Camera could even be used for a quick video walkthrough before you leave, providing visual documentation of the apartment's condition.
4. Water Damage from Leaks
This is the silent killer of security deposits. A tiny, slow drip from a pipe under your sink can go unnoticed for months, leading to warped floorboards, ruined cabinets, and even mold—repairs that can easily consume your entire deposit and more.
How to Prevent It: The key is early detection. While you should report any visible leak immediately, the most damaging leaks are the ones you don't see. This is where a simple piece of tech can be a financial lifesaver. Placing a Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor under sinks and behind the toilet isn't about home security; it's about financial security. For less than the cost of a few pizzas, it will send an alert to your phone the second it detects moisture, allowing you to notify your landlord before any real damage occurs. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you can get for your deposit.
5. Stained or Damaged Flooring
Carpet stains from spilled wine or deep scratches on a hardwood floor from dragging furniture are considered preventable damage.
How to Prevent It: Use area rugs in high-traffic areas. Place felt pads under all furniture legs. For any spills, clean them immediately with the appropriate cleaning solution. If you have significant carpet stains, renting a carpet cleaner for a day is a worthwhile investment.
6. Leaving Items Behind
You might think you’re doing the next tenant a favor by leaving behind your old microwave, but your landlord will see it as junk they now have to pay to haul away.
How to Prevent It: The apartment should be completely empty of all your personal belongings. If you have items you don't want, donate them or list them for free on a local marketplace well before your move-out date. On your final sweep, a quick check of your Kangaroo Doorbell Camera's live feed (if you have one) can give you a final look at your doorstep to ensure you haven't forgotten anything outside.
7. Unauthorized Painting or Alterations
Did you paint your bedroom a trendy dark green without permission? Even if it looks great, your landlord can charge you the cost to repaint it back to the original neutral color.
How to Prevent It: Always get written permission from your landlord before making any significant alterations to the property, including painting.
8. Broken Fixtures or Appliances
A cracked light switch plate, a broken handle on the refrigerator, or a torn window screen might seem minor, but the replacement costs add up.
How to Prevent It: Do a final walkthrough of your apartment and take note of any small things you may have broken accidentally over the course of your lease. Often, replacing these small items yourself is much cheaper than what a landlord’s handyman would charge.
9. Failing to Return All Keys
If you don't return every single key you were given—for the front door, mailbox, and any common areas—the landlord may be able to charge you for the cost of re-keying the locks.
How to Prevent It: On day one of your lease, put all your keys on a single, distinct keychain. Before you leave for the last time, double-check that every key has been accounted for.
10. Not Providing a Forwarding Address
It sounds simple, but landlords are often unable to return a deposit simply because they don’t know where to send the check.
How to Prevent It: When you give your official notice to vacate, include your forwarding address in the letter. According to most state laws, including those referenced by tenant's rights organizations like the Legal Aid Society, the landlord has a specific timeframe to return your deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.
Your Final Walkthrough Checklist: Don't Miss a Thing
Use this checklist to conduct your own inspection a day or two before your final walkthrough with your landlord. This gives you time to fix any last-minute issues.
General Areas (Living Room, Bedrooms):
[ ] All personal items and trash removed.
[ ] Walls wiped down and free of scuffs.
[ ] All nail holes spackled and painted.
[ ] Floors vacuumed/mopped.
[ ] Windows and sills are clean.
[ ] All lightbulbs are working.
[ ] All keys (apartment, mailbox, garage) are gathered.
Kitchen:
[ ] Refrigerator and freezer emptied and wiped clean.
[ ] Oven and stovetop deep cleaned (no grease).
[ ] Microwave wiped clean inside and out.
[ ] Sink is scrubbed and polished.
[ ] All cabinets and drawers are empty and wiped out.
Bathroom:
[ ] Toilet, sink, and shower/tub scrubbed and sanitized.
[ ] Mirrors are clean and streak-free.
[ ] All drains are clear of hair.
[ ] Medicine cabinet is empty and wiped clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Deposits
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"Normal wear and tear" generally refers to the natural decline of a property over time. Examples include lightly faded paint, minor scuffs on the wall from furniture, or thinning carpet in high-traffic areas. Large stains, broken windows, and excessive holes in the wall are typically considered "damage."
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This varies by state, but it's typically between 14 to 60 days after you move out. If the landlord makes any deductions, they must provide a written, itemized list explaining the charges.
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If you believe the charges are unfair, your first step should be to write a formal dispute letter to your landlord, referencing your move-in/move-out photos and notes. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to consider small claims court.
Your Deposit is Yours to Keep
Protecting your security deposit doesn't have to be a battle. By being a proactive and responsible tenant, you can anticipate potential issues and address them head-on. Thinking ahead and using simple, smart tools to prevent disasters is the best strategy. Be meticulous in your move-out, and you can look forward to getting that check in the mail.
