a payment required by a landlord from a tenant to cover the expenses of any repairs
of damages to the premises greater than normal "wear and tear. " The security deposit
must be returned within a short time (varying by states) after the tenant vacates,
less the cost of repairing any unusual damage. Unfortunately for tenants, these
damages are usually subject to the judgment of the landlord, who may desire to paint
and refinish on the tenant's money, which results in many small claims suits. In
a few states the security deposit must be kept in a separate bank account, and some
states require payment of interest on the amount held as a deposit. A security deposit
is sometimes confused with a deposit of the "last month's rent," which may be credited
to the tenant for the final month's rent. A security deposit cannot be used legally
as a rent credit.
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