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).
Check your local law. Return deadlines, interest requirements, and whether deposits must sit in a separate account vary widely by state. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
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.