ABA Family Legal Guide

Renting Residential Property

Ending the Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Security Deposits

Under what conditions does the landlord owe a refund of the security deposit?

The landlord will owe the tenant a refund if the rent was paid in full and the cost of repairs is not beyond normal wear and tear. The tenant should insist on accompanying the landlord during the final inspection to verify the items claimed by the landlord to be "deducts," and dispute the charges or explain why the damage is normal wear and tear.