Security deposit
Short answer
A security deposit is money a tenant gives a landlord to cover allowed losses tied to the rental, such as unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal use, or damage. It is not extra rent. When the tenancy ends, the landlord must handle it under the rule that applies to the rental property.
What it means
A security deposit is a held payment, not a fee the landlord can keep by default. In a deposit dispute, the core questions are usually simple: what was paid, what condition the home was in, what deductions were claimed, and what proof supports each side. A good demand letter keeps those facts separate. It asks for the return of the deposit or a written explanation, then points the landlord to the state rule without guessing at facts that belong on the state page. The best record usually includes the lease, receipt, photos, messages, forwarding address, and any statement the landlord sent after move-out.
When it is not this
- It is not the same as monthly rent, even if the amount matched rent.
- It is not a nonrefundable move-in fee unless the lease and state rule treat it that way.
- It is not a penalty the landlord can charge for ordinary use of the home.