Moving – Security Deposit Refund: Deadlines & Rights

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Moving – Security Deposit Refund: Deadlines, Deductions & Rights

After moving out, tenants often wonder when and how their security deposit will be refunded.

Security Deposit Refund: What to Know After Moving Out

After moving out of a rental property, many tenants wonder when they will receive their security deposit back. The deposit serves as security for the landlord but may not be withheld indefinitely. Deadlines, possible claims and the condition of the apartment all play an important role.

You can find more helpful moving-related topics in our moving service overview.

What Is the Security Deposit Used For?

The security deposit protects the landlord against potential claims. These may include:

unpaid rent
compensation for proven damage
outstanding utility costs

Normal wear and tear resulting from proper use of the apartment may not be deducted from the deposit.

Deadlines for Refunding the Deposit

There is no fixed legal deadline for refunding the security deposit. However, the landlord is only entitled to a reasonable inspection period. In practice, three to six months are often considered acceptable.

If there are unresolved issues, such as a pending utility cost statement, the landlord may temporarily retain a reasonable portion of the deposit.

Common Reasons for Deposit Deductions

Not every deduction is permitted. Common legally valid reasons include:

unpaid rent or additional charges
damage exceeding normal wear and tear
missing or damaged fixtures

Deductions for cosmetic repairs are not allowed unless they were effectively agreed upon in the contract.

How to Speed Up the Deposit Refund

You can help ensure a quick refund by:

returning the apartment clean and empty
clarifying damages in the handover protocol
recording meter readings and returning all keys
providing your current contact and bank details

A detailed handover protocol helps avoid disputes later.

What to Do If the Deposit Is Not Refunded

If the landlord does not refund the deposit, you should request payment in writing and set a clear deadline. If payment is still withheld or deductions seem unjustified, seeking legal advice may be advisable.

This helps protect your rights as a tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Security Deposit Refunds

When must the security deposit be refunded?

The deposit must be refunded within a reasonable period after moving out, once all claims have been reviewed.

How long may the landlord keep the deposit?

In practice, three to six months are often considered a reasonable period, for example to check for damages or outstanding utility costs.

What deductions from the deposit are allowed?

Allowed deductions include unpaid rent, proven damages or outstanding utility costs – but not normal wear and tear.

Can the landlord keep the deposit because of utility costs?

Yes, a reasonable portion of the deposit may be retained if a utility cost statement is still outstanding.

What can I do if the deposit is not refunded?

You can request payment in writing and set a deadline. If payment is still not made, seeking legal advice may be helpful.

Topics of this article

Moving

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