Key takeaways
- Your best weapon is a dated move-in record: inventory, photos and video of every room.
- At move-out, do a joint inspection and photograph everything again.
- Normal wear and tear can’t usually be deducted; deductions should be justified.
- If the deposit isn’t returned, send a formal written demand, then use mediation or the court.
Deposit disputes are among the most common conflicts between tenants and landlords, everywhere. The landlord says the flat was damaged; you say it was already like that. Without evidence, it’s your word against theirs. With evidence, most cases are settled with a single letter. Rules on amounts and deadlines depend on the country, and sometimes the city; check your lease and the local law.
1. At move-in: build your evidence
- Insist on a written inventory (check-in report) signed by both of you, room by room.
- Film a slow, complete video walk-through and take photos of every wall, floor, appliance, window and existing defect.
- Make sure files keep their date, and send a few photos to the landlord by email within days of moving in: it fixes the date.
- Report any defect you discover in the first weeks in writing.
2. During the tenancy
Report problems (leaks, mould, broken equipment) in writing as they appear, and keep the replies. A problem reported early can’t later be blamed on you. For water leaks, see /blog/water-damage-from-neighbour-what-to-do/.
3. At move-out
Clean thoroughly, repair what you damaged, and ask for a joint move-out inspection compared against the move-in inventory. Film and photograph again, from the same angles as at move-in. Return keys against a signed receipt, and give your new address in writing.
4. What can be deducted
Generally, a landlord can deduct unpaid rent or charges and the cost of damage beyond normal use, with justification (quotes, invoices). Normal wear and tear (slightly faded paint, worn carpet after years) usually can’t be charged. Some countries set a legal deadline to return the deposit and penalties for lateness; others leave it to the lease. In Morocco, for example, residential leases are governed by Law 67-12, and the lease clauses on the deposit carry a lot of weight.
5. If the deposit isn’t returned
- Ask politely in writing, with your move-out record and bank details.
- If there’s no answer, send a formal demand letter by registered mail, citing the lease and a deadline (see /blog/how-to-write-a-formal-demand-letter/).
- Try mediation: a housing association, a conciliation service or a mediator.
- If that fails, go to the competent court, often a small-claims procedure designed to be used without a lawyer.
Chameleon AI can store your move-in and move-out videos and photos as incidents, each file fingerprinted and dated at capture, which makes it easy to show the state of the home on a given day.
Frequently asked questions
The landlord kept the deposit without giving reasons. Is that allowed?
In most places, deductions must be justified. Ask for an itemised list with evidence in writing; an unexplained refusal strengthens your case.
Can I stop paying the last month’s rent instead of the deposit?
Usually not: it can be treated as unpaid rent and turn against you. Pay the rent and claim the deposit separately, unless your lease or local law says otherwise.
How long should I keep my move-in photos?
Until the deposit is returned and any dispute is closed, and ideally a little longer. Storage is cheap; evidence can’t be recreated.
General information to help you get organised, not legal advice. Procedures and numbers can change: confirm them with the office concerned, and in danger call your local emergency number first.
