Landlord Deposit Return: Your Rights and What to Expect

When you move out of a rental, your landlord deposit return, the process by which a tenant receives their security deposit back after vacating a rental property. Also known as a security deposit refund, it’s not a gift—it’s your money, held in trust until you leave. Many tenants never get it back fully, not because they damaged the place, but because they didn’t know their rights.

Every state and country has rules about how landlords handle deposits. In places like Maryland and Virginia, landlords can’t just keep your cash for "wear and tear." They need itemized receipts for repairs, and they have to return the deposit within a strict window—usually 21 to 45 days after you move out. If they don’t, you can often take them to small claims court. It’s not about being difficult; it’s about holding them to the law. Your deposit isn’t theirs to spend. It’s a safety net for them, not a profit center.

What counts as damage versus normal use? A few scuffs on the wall? That’s normal. A broken window or stained carpet from a pet? That’s repairable damage. Landlords sometimes try to charge for things like cleaning or repainting, but unless you left the place filthy or painted it neon green, they can’t legally deduct those costs. And they can’t hold your deposit just because you didn’t give 60 days’ notice—if your lease says 30, then 30 is all they can ask for.

Keep records. Take photos when you move in and when you move out. Send your forwarding address in writing. Get a receipt if you hand over keys. These aren’t extra steps—they’re your insurance. Many disputes come down to "they say, they say," and without proof, you lose.

There’s no magic trick to getting your deposit back. It’s about knowing the rules, following them, and refusing to be pushed around. The law is on your side—if you know where to look. Below, you’ll find real cases, legal breakdowns, and step-by-step guides from tenants who actually got their money back. No fluff. Just what works.