Deposit fights are a rite of passage nobody asked for. Owners invent painting charges; brokers vanish after the fee. You cannot eliminate risk, but you can stop being an easy mark.
Before you pay
- Written agreement: rent, deposit, notice period, deductions list.
- Payment only to named account with receipts.
- Photos/videos of every wall, fan, bathroom on day one (timestamped).
- Broker fee in writing — who pays, how much, refund rules.
Before you leave
- Give notice exactly as the agreement says.
- Photo the empty room on move-out day.
- Ask for written deduction list before they keep money.
- Follow up in writing (WhatsApp + email) so there is a trail.
The takeaway
If the deposit is life-changing money, get local advice before you escalate. For smaller amounts, sometimes the win is leaving with your peace — but document everything either way.