Withholding’s – What can be taken out of your deposit:
Tenant damages, waste or neglect of the premises.
Unpaid rent
Payment which the tenant owes under the rental agreement for the utility service provided by the landlord but not included in the rent. Ex: water, electricity, yard maintenance, snow removal.
Payment for what a tenant owes for direct utility services provided by the government – owed utility, to the extent that the landlord becomes liable for the tenant’s non-payment.
Other reasons authorized in the rental agreement.
These terms vary depending on lease, check to see what yours includes.
This subsection does not authorize a landlord to withhold the deposit for normal wear and tear or damages/losses for which the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible.
*It is illegal for landlords to deduct the cost of routine carpet cleaning from your security deposit for anything that qualifies as normal wear and tear.*
Statement of Claims
For anything withheld, the landlord shall deliver or mail the tenant a written statement accounting for all amounts.
Needs to describe each item of physical damages and amount withheld.
Must be mailed or returned within 21 days.
When moving in, you can request a list of physical damages or defects charged to the previous tenant’s deposit.
The landlord cannot be held responsible for non-delivery if they comply with everything else and the postal service is unable to complete delivery.
This means you must leave a forwarding address for the landlord, if this does not happen you will not get your deposit mailed to you.