How common is it for landlords to not return the security deposit? (real estate)

[Straywire]

Not looking for recourse or anything but just want to know if it's common.

[stone26]

I cant answer generally, but I was in an apartment for 17 years, and expected nothing back, but they returned my full deposit. It needed a lot of work before they could rent it again, but I think after so many years, they just chalk it up to wear and tear.

I had a different apartment for a year, and they returned my full deposit as well.

[CA4Now]

You'd probably get a more accurate answer in the Renting subforum under Real Estate.

[Ruth4Truth]

It really depends. Some property management agencies are notorious for keeping all or most of the deposit. Others are reasonable. There's the same spectrum of variation with individual LL's.

And in case you weren't aware, one way to guard against unreasonable withholding of your deposit, is to photograph all damage, dings, scrapes, dirt, mold, carpet wear, etc. as soon as you move in. Some LL's/managers will have you submit a list of things that need repair, and will attend to those things. (Leaky faucets or shower heads, etc.) If you miss something that should have been on the list, you'll get charged for it when you move out.

[wac_432]

I had it happen once out of a half-dozen places I rented. After the requisite 23 days of getting nothing, I wrote them a letter demanding either the deposit or an itemized list of repairs.

I told them they had a two weeks to respond or I would also demand the state-allowed penalties (I think it was up to 3X the deposit, eventually) as well.

Got a check in the mail for the full amount a few days later.

[ccm123]

I’ve rented a place only a few times in my life and always received my security deposit (minus applicable cleaning fees) back.

I once had a LL refund the entire deposit back for a home I rented. We paid our rent on time, kept the place nice and clean and there was nothing damaged. When we moved out, she came by to inspect the place, and from the smile on her face, she was happy with us as tenants.

[bobspez]

When I was a teenager living with my Mom in LA a landlord and his wife tried to withhold our $50 deposit when we handed in the keys (this was back in the 60's). I told him "Do you know how hard I have to work for $50?" and advanced toward him. He had the $50 in his hand in his pocket and held it out to me before I closed the gap. Probably not advisable these days, but worked back then.