For what reasons may the landlord keep the security deposit?

The landlord may keep the security deposit for many different reasons. The most common reason for keeping the deposit is to pay for damages to the unit over and above "normal wear and tear. " Normal wear and tear, is deterioration that occurs by living in the unit without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the unit by the tenant or members of the household, or their guests. The landlord may also keep the deposit for nonpayment of rent, for abandonment of the unit, nonpayment of utility charges, repair work or cleaning contracted for but not paid for by the tenant, or for any other breach of the lease by the tenant.

Show All Answers

1. What is a security deposit?
2. For what reasons may the landlord keep the security deposit?
3. How much is the security deposit?
4. Must the landlord hold the security deposit in a special account?
5. When is the tenant entitled to a return of the security deposit?
6. How can the tenant prove the condition of the unit?
7. What steps should the landlord take to keep or return the security deposit?
8. What if the landlord fails to return the deposit?
9. Can the tenant waive the security deposit laws?
10. How much time does a tenant have to bring an action for failure to return deposit?
11. What happens to the security deposit when the landlord transfers ownership of the unit?