Deposits without the fight.
Almost every deposit dispute traces back to the same two failures: no move-in record, and no itemized return. Fix those and the deposit becomes a non-event for everyone.
Day one
Document the condition before they move in
You can’t prove damage against a baseline you never recorded. Ten minutes of dated photos at move-in is the single best insurance against a deposit argument at move-out — because now “it was already like that” has an answer.
- Dated move-in photos of every room
- A condition checklist both of you sign
- The deposit amount and terms in the lease
Move-out
Return it the way the law expects
The deadline and the format aren’t suggestions — miss them and you can forfeit the right to deduct at all.
Inspect against the move-in record
Compare room by room to your dated baseline. Normal wear and tear is on you; actual damage is deductible.
Deduct only what you can prove
Repairs, not upgrades. Keep the receipt for every line you subtract — an itemized list without proof invites a challenge.
Send an itemized statement + the balance
List each deduction with its cost and return the remainder, within your state’s deadline (often 14–30 days).
Keep the deposit trail airtight.
Log the deposit, attach the move-in photos and repair receipts, and generate the itemized return from records you already have.