Free renter tool for US tenants

Security Deposit Deduction Calculator

Estimate how much of your apartment security deposit you may get back after cleaning fees, damages, unpaid rent, utilities, and other move-out deductions.

Important: This calculator is only an estimate and not legal advice. Security deposit laws vary by state, city, county, and lease agreement.

Deposit Details

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Enter the total refundable deposit you paid when moving in.
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If your pet deposit was non-refundable, do not include it unless you want to estimate all move-out charges together.
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This helps compare deductions against your rent amount.
Use 1 if you paid the deposit alone.
Security deposit return deadlines and deduction rules vary by state.

Move-Out Details

Deduction Details

Only include charges you expect may be deducted from your deposit. Do not include normal wear and tear unless your landlord has listed it as a charge.

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Include any unpaid rent you expect may be deducted.
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Damage beyond normal use may reduce your deposit, especially if repairs are needed.

Documentation Checklist

Check the items you have. Each checked item adds 10 points to your documentation score.

Documentation Score: 0/100

Weak documentation

This score is not legal proof. It simply helps you see how prepared you are to review or dispute deductions.

Your Estimated Results

Estimated Security Deposit Refund $0
Total Estimated Deductions $0
Refund Percentage 0%
Possible Amount Still Owed $0
Estimated Refund Per Roommate $0
Documentation Score 0/100
Enter your deposit and possible deductions to estimate your refund.
Security deposit return deadlines and deduction rules vary by state. Select your state to see a reminder.

Copyable Summary

Move-Out Checklist to Help Protect Your Security Deposit

  • Take clear photos and videos before leaving
  • Clean the apartment or house carefully
  • Remove trash and personal items
  • Repair small issues if allowed by your lease
  • Return all keys, remotes, parking passes, and access cards
  • Save cleaning receipts
  • Ask for a move-out walkthrough
  • Provide your forwarding address in writing
  • Request an itemized deduction statement if money is withheld
  • Keep copies of all landlord communication

What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear usually means ordinary aging from normal use of the rental property. Damage is usually something beyond regular use, but the exact rules may depend on your lease, state, city, and the condition of the rental when you moved in.

Common Examples of Normal Wear and Tear

  • Light carpet wear from regular walking
  • Faded paint
  • Small nail holes
  • Minor wall scuffs
  • Loose door handles from regular use
  • Worn appliance parts from age
  • Slightly faded curtains or blinds

Common Examples of Possible Tenant Damage

  • Large holes in walls
  • Broken windows
  • Burn marks on counters or floors
  • Pet urine stains
  • Missing fixtures
  • Broken doors
  • Excessive trash left behind
  • Heavy stains or damage beyond ordinary use
These examples are general and may vary depending on your lease, local rules, and the condition of the rental when you moved in.

How the Security Deposit Deduction Calculator Works

This security deposit deduction calculator subtracts estimated cleaning costs, carpet cleaning, damages, unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, pet damage, trash removal, lost keys, and other move-out deductions from your original rental deposit. The goal is to give renters a simple security deposit refund estimate before they move out or after they receive a deduction notice.

To use the rental deposit calculator, enter your original security deposit, any pet deposit you want to include, your expected deductions, your state, and the number of roommates who shared the deposit. The calculator then shows your estimated refund, total deductions, refund percentage, possible amount still owed, and roommate security deposit split.

What Can Be Deducted From a Security Deposit?

Landlord deposit deductions may include charges that are allowed by your lease and local rules. Common apartment move out deductions can include unpaid rent, cleaning beyond normal condition, repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear, replacing lost keys or garage remotes, unpaid utilities, pet damage, trash removal, and certain lease-related charges if allowed.

Every situation is different. A tenant security deposit refund can depend on state law, city rules, lease language, move-in condition, move-out condition, and whether the landlord provides an itemized deduction statement.

How Much of My Security Deposit Will I Get Back?

Many renters search for “how much security deposit will I get back” because the answer is not always obvious. Your refund depends on the original deposit amount, lease terms, property condition at move-out, rent or utilities owed, documentation, state and local rules, and the itemized deduction statement from your landlord.

This apartment security deposit calculator gives an estimate based on the numbers you enter. It does not decide whether a deduction is legally valid, but it can help you understand how each charge affects your possible refund.

How to Increase Your Chance of Getting Your Deposit Back

The best way to protect your deposit is to prepare before you move out. Take photos before and after moving, clean thoroughly, keep receipts, return keys on time, provide your forwarding address, ask for a walkthrough, communicate in writing, and save your lease agreement.

A strong paper trail can help you review your security deposit refund estimate and compare it with your landlord’s deductions. Photos, receipts, emails, text messages, and a move-out checklist can be useful if you need to ask questions about charges.

Security Deposit Deductions vs Normal Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear rental issues usually come from ordinary use over time. Examples may include light carpet wear, faded paint, small scuffs, or aging appliance parts. Tenant damage may include broken fixtures, large wall holes, pet stains, missing items, or damage that goes beyond regular use.

The difference between deductions and normal wear and tear can vary by lease and location. Use this move out deposit calculator as a planning tool, then review your lease and local tenant resources before accepting or disputing a charge.

Security Deposit Calculator for Roommates

Roommates often share one deposit, which can make refunds confusing. This calculator includes a roommate security deposit split so each renter can see an estimated refund share and deduction share. The split is only a simple equal division, so roommates should also consider who paid what, who caused a charge, and what the lease says.

Why Renters Should Use a Deposit Refund Estimator Before Moving Out

A rental deposit refund estimate can help renters plan financially, understand possible move-out costs, and prepare documentation. Before moving out, you can use the calculator to see whether cleaning, unpaid utilities, trash removal, or repairs may reduce your refund.

After moving out, you can compare your own estimate with your landlord’s itemized statement. This can make it easier to ask clear questions and organize your records.

Important Legal Disclaimer

This security deposit calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only. It is not legal advice. Security deposit laws, return deadlines, allowed deductions, and tenant rights vary by state, city, county, and lease agreement. For legal guidance, contact a qualified attorney, local tenant organization, or your state housing authority.

Security Deposit Deduction Calculator FAQs

How much of my security deposit will I get back?

Your refund depends on your total deposit, unpaid rent, cleaning fees, repair costs, utilities, pet damage, and other deductions. This calculator gives an estimate based on the numbers you enter.

Can a landlord deduct cleaning fees from my deposit?

Cleaning deductions may depend on the condition of the rental, your lease agreement, and local rules. If the unit is left excessively dirty, cleaning fees may be deducted. Normal use is usually treated differently from damage or excessive mess.

What is normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear usually means ordinary aging from regular use, such as light carpet wear, faded paint, or small scuffs. Damage like broken windows, large wall holes, pet stains, or missing fixtures may be treated differently.

Can unpaid rent be deducted from a security deposit?

In many cases, unpaid rent may be deducted from a security deposit if allowed by the lease and local law. Rules vary, so renters should review their lease and local tenant laws.

What should I do if my landlord keeps my deposit?

Ask for an itemized deduction statement, compare the charges with your lease and photos, keep all communication in writing, and check your local tenant resources. This calculator is not legal advice.

Can roommates split the security deposit refund?

Yes. This calculator includes a roommate split estimate so renters can see the approximate refund and deduction share per roommate.

Is this security deposit calculator legal advice?

No. This calculator is only an estimate for educational purposes. Security deposit laws vary by state and city.