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The Daily Insight

What happens to my deposit when I rent a house?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Mar 11, 2026

When you rent privately, you will usually be expected to pay the landlord a security deposit. A deposit gives the landlord security in case you cause damage to the property or don’t pay rent. The deposit belongs to you and you should get it back when you move out if there is no damage or rent owed.

Are rental deposits refundable?

California. In California, landlords have 21 days to return the security deposit to the tenant.

Can I use my bond as my last month’s rent?

NO. It is illegal for a tenant to request that the bond be used to make a rent payment and the tenant is legally required to pay rent up until they vacate the premise and hand over the keys to the landlord.

How long does it take for cash deposited to show up in your account?

Electronic Deposits In general, most financial institutions allow for immediate availability of these funds, though some require a 24-hour holding period depending on the day and time the deposit is made.

What the law says about rental deposits?

Section 5 of the Rental Housing Act, No 50 of 1999 allows a landlord to take a deposit from a tenant prior to the tenant moving into the property. The amount of the deposit must be stipulated in the lease agreement. It is conventional practice to pay an amount equal to one-month’s rent as a deposit.

When should I get my bond back?

The landlord/agent then has 14 days to apply for a hearing with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to contest the claim. If they don’t do so within the 14 days, the refund amount you claimed will be paid to you. take no action, and after 14 days the bond will be paid out as per the landlord’s claim.

What does zero deposit mean when renting?

A zero-deposit guarantee is a way for potential renters to significantly reduce initial upfront costs required to rent a property. Essentially, the tenant takes out a non-refundable insurance policy, typically the cost of a week’s rent. They also agree to pay for any damages incurred at the property.

Does cash go into account immediately?

If you make a cash deposit with the teller at your bank, the money will often be available in your account immediately, or the next business day, depending on your bank’s policy. If you deposit cash using your bank’s ATM, you’ll typically be able to access your funds right away.

Do ATM deposits show up immediately?

Cash deposits are often available right away or within one business day. As for checks, not all banks follow the same schedule, but you can usually withdraw or use the full amount in two business days. Making a deposit at an ATM owned by someone other than your bank may also delay your access.

Are marks on walls wear and tear?

Are a few scuffs on a hall wall classed as a tenant cleaning issue or normal wear and tear? A few light scuffs after six months is definitely wear and tear. However, heavy markings, scrapes, several additional screw holes during the same length of time, will be classed as tenant damage.

When should a rental deposit be paid back?

If the landlord has no claims for damages and the tenant does not owe rent or charges for utilities, the landlord must refund the deposit within seven days of the expiry of the lease. If an amount is owed, the landlord must refund the balance (if any) of the deposit within 14 days.