What Can I Deduct From Security Deposit
Your tenant moved out and there's damage, but you're unsure what you can legally deduct.
Document damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemize costs, return remaining deposit within deadline.
Start with the security deposit return letterThe order to do this in.
Skipping a step is what gets a case dismissed rather than merely delayed. Work down the list.
Review move-in documentation
Compare current condition to move-in checklist and photos.
Distinguish damage from wear
Normal wear: faded paint. Damage: holes in walls, stains.
Get repair estimates/receipts
Document actual costs for legitimate deductions.
Itemize all deductions
List each item, cost, and reason. Be specific.
Three ways landlords lose this.
Self-help eviction
Changing the locks, cutting the utilities or removing belongings is illegal in every state, regardless of how far behind the rent is. It converts your strong case into their damages claim.
Assuming your state works like the last one you read about
Notice periods, deposit caps and required language differ by state and often by city. Verify against the jurisdiction the property sits in.
Waiting too long to get a lawyer
Once the tenant contests, raises habitability, or gets representation, the cost of an attorney is smaller than the cost of the month you are about to lose.
Forms you will need
Keep the paper trail from day one.
Every notice you generate is dated, complete and filed against the tenancy. If this ends up in front of a judge, the record is the case.