{"id":6139,"date":"2022-09-06T13:09:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T13:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/?p=6139"},"modified":"2024-12-27T13:30:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T13:30:56","slug":"security-deposit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/security-deposit\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Security Deposit You Should Pay While Renting A Flat?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5><b>Disclaimer:<br \/>\n<\/b>With 11+ years of experience &amp; expertise in the real estate industry, Homebazaar provides end-to-end property-buying solutions. Hundreds of 100% verified RERA-registered residential &amp; commercial properties are listed on our website. We provide facilities like Zero brokerage, 360\u00b0 virtual street view, quick site visit services, end-to-end property buying agreements &amp; documentation guidance and low-interest home loan assistance. This helped us gain the trust of 55,000+ clients across India &amp; sold 6,500+ homes of top reputed developers.<\/h5>\n<h2><b>Why Do Landlords Take A Deposit?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6157 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Why-Do-Landlords-Take-A-Deposit.jpg\" alt=\"Security deposit - Why Do Landlords Take A Deposit?\" width=\"810\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Why-Do-Landlords-Take-A-Deposit.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Why-Do-Landlords-Take-A-Deposit-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Why-Do-Landlords-Take-A-Deposit-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Why-Do-Landlords-Take-A-Deposit-750x362.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renting a house includes keeping a security deposit according to the terms of the Rental Agreement. The security deposit by the renter is not a part of the monthly rent.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rent deposit or security deposit is the amount which is paid initially during the time of renting a place.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The landlord will keep the deposit with them throughout the rental agreement period. If there is damage to the property, then the renter will lose the money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it is to be ensured that the due amount, rent amount, and method of payment should be written in the rental agreement.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The central aspect of a rent deposit is to provide the landlords with security from any damage to the property or in case the tenant fails to comply with the agreement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tenant will receive the deposit amount only after the completion of the lease period after the deductions are done (if any) as repair costs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Rent Security Deposit Rules In Model Tenancy Act 2021<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6155 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Security-Deposit-Rules-In-Model-Tenancy-Act.jpg\" alt=\"Rent Security Deposit Rules In Model Tenancy Act 2021\" width=\"810\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Security-Deposit-Rules-In-Model-Tenancy-Act.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Security-Deposit-Rules-In-Model-Tenancy-Act-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Security-Deposit-Rules-In-Model-Tenancy-Act-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Security-Deposit-Rules-In-Model-Tenancy-Act-750x362.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per the Model Tenancy Act 2021, the security deposit should be paid by the tenant and the amount should be mutually agreed upon by the landlord and the tenant. The landlord should check that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The security deposit amount should not exceed the 2 months rent amount in case of residential property\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The security deposit amount should not exceed the 6 months rent amount in case of non-residential or commercial property<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The security amount should be returned to the tenant when taking over the vacant possession from the tenant after the deduction of any liability amount.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Much Security Deposit Can A Landlord Charge In India?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6152 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/How-Much-Security-Deposit-Can-A-Landlord-Charge-In-India.jpg\" alt=\"How Much Security Deposit Can A Landlord Charge In India?\" width=\"810\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/How-Much-Security-Deposit-Can-A-Landlord-Charge-In-India.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/How-Much-Security-Deposit-Can-A-Landlord-Charge-In-India-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/How-Much-Security-Deposit-Can-A-Landlord-Charge-In-India-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/How-Much-Security-Deposit-Can-A-Landlord-Charge-In-India-750x362.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the Model Tenancy Act 2021, a homeowner cannot charge more than 2 months of rent as a security deposit for a residential property<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Factors of Security Deposit in Rental Agreement<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The landlord should keep the following points in mind when agreeing to the security deposit:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rental agreement received from the tenant should be declared in the rental agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The agreement should also state that the security deposit will be returned as the agreement expires or the tenant vacates the premise.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The agreement should also mention that if any amount will be deducted from the security deposit, then the homeowner should justify it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contract must be legally registered and signed by both parties.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There should not be any hidden clause in the agreement.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Rent Deposit Calculation<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For residential property, the maximum security deposit will be equal to 2 months&#8217; rent amount. For example<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6153 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation1.png\" alt=\"Security deposit - Rent Deposit Calculation 1\" width=\"810\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation1.png 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation1-300x91.png 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation1-768x232.png 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation1-750x227.png 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monthly Rent = Rs 15000<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security Deposit = <\/span><b>15000*2=30000\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For non-residential property, the maximum security deposit will be equal to 6 months\u2019 rent amount. For example\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6154 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation2.png\" alt=\"Security Deposit Calculation 2\" width=\"810\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation2.png 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation2-300x91.png 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation2-768x232.png 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Rent-Deposit-Calculation2-750x227.png 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monthly Rent = Rs 15000<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security Deposit = <\/span><b>15000*6=90000<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>Can Landlord Forfeit Deposit?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per the rental agreement, the landlord can forfeit the security deposit of the tenant if there is a requirement for any repair and replacement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it should also be noted that the landlord has to justify why they are deducting or forfeiting any amount from the security money when the tenant vacates the premise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What If The Landlord Doesn&#8217;t Return The Deposit?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6156 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/What-If-The-Landlord-Doesnt-Return-The-Deposit.jpg\" alt=\"Security deposit - What If The Landlord Doesn't Return The Deposit?\" width=\"810\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/What-If-The-Landlord-Doesnt-Return-The-Deposit.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/What-If-The-Landlord-Doesnt-Return-The-Deposit-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/What-If-The-Landlord-Doesnt-Return-The-Deposit-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/What-If-The-Landlord-Doesnt-Return-The-Deposit-750x362.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The landlord is bound to return the security deposit as per the Model Tenancy Act 2021<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If the landlord has signed the rental agreement, then they should return the security money to the tenant when the agreement expires after deducting the required amount.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the landlord is not returning the deposit money, then legal actions can be taken against them. The tenant can file a civil suit against the landowner for cheating and criminal breach of trust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Basic Rules Both Tenant &amp; Landowner Should Know<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6150 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Basic-Rules-Both-Tenant-Landowner-Should-Know.jpg\" alt=\"Security deposit - Basic Rules Both Tenant &amp; Landowner Should Know\" width=\"810\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Basic-Rules-Both-Tenant-Landowner-Should-Know.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Basic-Rules-Both-Tenant-Landowner-Should-Know-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Basic-Rules-Both-Tenant-Landowner-Should-Know-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Basic-Rules-Both-Tenant-Landowner-Should-Know-750x362.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from the written agreement, the security deposit and the rental amount, there are a few rules which should be followed by both parties:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Maintenance of the property: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both parties are equally responsible for the maintenance of the property. There cannot be any renovation or repair of the property without the consent of both parties.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Uninhabitable conditions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">price of the maintenance is 50% more than the rent of the house then the property is considered uninhabitable. If the owner does not take any action, then the tenant can vacate the property within 15 days and ask to return the security deposit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Damage to the property: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tenant should be responsible for maintaining the property after they occupy the premise. If there is any damage, then the amount will be deducted from the security deposit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>No entry without prior notice: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per the Model Tenancy Act, the landowner should give 24 hrs prior notice before visiting the property. The visit should be done between 7 am to 8 pm.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Essential supplies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water, electricity, sanitary service, etc should be provided to the tenant.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tenants leaving the property: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenants should provide a one-month notice before vacating the premise. <\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q: <\/b><b>How do I get my deposit back from my landlord?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your landlord is not returning your deposit, then you can end them a legal notice of returning the deposit along with interest till the date of your vacating the premise. You can also lodge a complaint against the owner.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q: How much rent deposit can a landowner take?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maximum of 2 months rent can be taken for residential property and 6 months rent for non-residential property.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q: Are rental deposits refundable?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yes, the rental deposit is refundable when the rental agreement expires or when the tenant vacates the premise.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q: Can the landlord deduct the security deposit for cleaning?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The landlord can deduct an amount from the security deposit for damage or for deep cleaning and not for any normal wear and tear.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q: Can I pay the last month\u2019s rent from my deposit?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No, you cannot pay last month\u2019s rent from your deposit because you are legally bound to pay your rent at the specified time and place. Not paying the rent will cause breaching the laws and legal actions can be taken against you.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Disclaimer: With 11+ years of experience &amp; expertise in the real estate industry, Homebazaar provides end-to-end property-buying solutions. Hundreds of 100% verified RERA-registered residential &amp; commercial properties are listed on our website. We provide facilities like Zero brokerage, 360\u00b0 virtual street view, quick site visit services, end-to-end property buying agreements &amp; documentation guidance and low-interest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":18236,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[415,21],"tags":[782,780,777,779,776,778,781,775],"class_list":["post-6139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-2","category-renting","tag-basic-rules-both-tenant-landowner-should-know","tag-can-landlord-forfeit-deposit","tag-how-much-security-deposit-can-a-landlord-charge-in-india","tag-rent-deposit-calculation","tag-rent-security-deposit-rules-in-model-tenancy-act-2021","tag-the-factors-of-security-deposit-in-rental-agreement","tag-what-if-the-landlord-doesnt-return-the-deposit","tag-why-do-landlords-take-a-deposit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6139"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18324,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6139\/revisions\/18324"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homebazaar.com\/knowledge\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}