Security Deposit and how it works:

Tenants

Property Listing

You will probably have to pay a security deposit when you agree to rent a property. The landlord holds this deposit as security to cover any rent arrears, bills owing or damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the tenancy. 

You cannot be forced to make upfront payments of more than 2 month’s rent. This includes a deposit of a month’s rent and one month’s rent in advance. 

Your landlord must give you an inventory of the contents of the property. You should keep a record of the condition of everything that is listed, taking photos if possible, and agree this in writing with your landlord. 

When you leave a property at the end of the agreed rental period or after giving the agreed notice, the landlord must return your security deposit, promptly and in full. 

However, if you leave before the end of the agreed period, the landlord may keep your deposit, even if you have given notice. 

The landlord may keep part or all of the deposit in the following situations: 

● Rent arrears 

● Unpaid bills 

● Damage above normal wear and tear 

● If you have not given enough notice 

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