What is a deposit?

A security deposit is an amount paid by the tenant to the landlord at the beginning of the lease. It serves to cover any potential damages to the property during the rental period or unpaid rents.

At the end of the lease, if the property is returned in a compliant state and all rents have been paid, the security deposit is fully refunded to the tenant.

When will the deposit be refunded?

You have 2 different deadlines :

• The deposit will be fully refunded, you didn't break anything! The landlord has 1 month to send it back.
• The deposit is partially refunded because of some reason. The landlord has 2 months to send it back.

Example: Léa rents an apartment for €700 per month. Upon signing the lease, she pays a security deposit of €700 to her landlord. When she leaves the apartment, it is in good condition and all rents have been paid. Her landlord thus refunds her the full security deposit.