Disputes Over Lease Security Deposit Deductions

Lease security deposit deductions typically cover repair costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear and cleaning expenses when rentals are returned in substandard condition. However, landlords and tenants often disagree as to when deductions are appropriate. Explore this article regarding a recent U.S. District Court of Massachusetts case discussing the definition of "reasonable" wear and tear and questioning whether professional cleaning fees are a permissible lease security deposit deduction.

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Related Content

• Security Deposit (Residential and Commercial Leases) State Law Survey
  Access this state law survey for statutory provisions governing the amounts, collection, and return of security deposits in residential and commercial rental transactions in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

• Security Deposits (Residential and Commercial Leases) (FL)
  Dive into this practice note for an overview of security deposits for commercial and residential real estate tenancies focusing on Florida security deposit laws.

• Application of Security Deposit Letter (Residential Eviction) (NJ)
  Check out this security deposit letter template when informing a New Jersey residential landlord that the tenant is exercising its right to apply the security deposit to rent payment due to the landlord’s failure to comply with the New Jersey Security Deposit Law.

• Notice to Tenant of Assignment or Transfer of Lease Security Deposit (Residential) (Chicago, IL)
  Use this template to notify a Chicago residential tenant that the landlord has sold the premises or assigned the lease and transferred the security deposit to the buyer or new owner.

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