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Calculate the security deposit refund

At the end of the lease the security deposit must be returned within a legal deadline: 1 month if no deduction is justified, 2 months where deductions apply. Past that deadline the amount owed to the tenant is increased by 10% of the monthly rent for each month started late. Enter the amounts and dates: the deadline, the amount to return and any penalty are computed instantly. No sign-up, no data stored.

Amount of the deposit paid when moving into the property.

Rent in principal, excluding charges: it is the base of the late penalty (10% per month).

Amounts withheld from the deposit (repairs, unpaid rent, charges due). Any deduction extends the legal deadline to 2 months. Leave 0 if none.

Start of the deadline: the day the tenant returns the keys and the check-out inventory is done.

Date on which the deposit is (or will be) returned: used to compute any delay.

Returning the security deposit: what the law says

The security deposit paid when moving into the property must be returned to the tenant at the end of the lease, after the keys are handed back and the check-out inventory is drawn up.

The landlord has one month to return the deposit when the check-out inventory matches the check-in one, and two months where deductions are made (repairs, unpaid rent or charges). Deductions must be justified by quotes, invoices or supporting documents.

Past that deadline, the amount owed to the tenant is increased by 10% of the monthly rent excluding charges for each month started late. This penalty does not apply where the delay results from the tenant failing to provide their new address.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline to return the security deposit?

The landlord has one month after the keys are handed back if the check-out inventory matches the check-in one, and two months if part of the deposit is withheld for repairs or unpaid amounts.

What happens if the refund is late?

Beyond the legal deadline, the deposit still owed is increased by 10% of the monthly rent excluding charges per month started late. For example, for a rent of €800, each month late adds €80 to the amount due.

Can the landlord keep everything for repairs?

No. The landlord may only withhold amounts justified by quotes or invoices for damage attributable to the tenant (excluding normal wear and tear), or for unpaid rent or charges. The balance must be returned.

When does the refund deadline start?

The deadline starts on the day the tenant hands back the keys, in person or by registered letter. That is also when the check-out inventory is carried out.

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Laubja tracks your inventories, computes justified deductions and alerts you to the refund deadlines to meet. 100% free.

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