QUESTION: Rights of tenant and landlord: how to act in case of a deposit dispute?

Resolving disputes regarding the return of the security deposit or pledge when renting residential or commercial real estate requires a clear knowledge of legislation and consistent actions of both parties. Emotional disputes rarely lead to any benefit, so you need to act exclusively in the legal field, relying on the signed agreement and recorded facts of property transfer.

If we are talking about the rights of the tenant and landlord in the event of a conflict regarding the deposit, avoid extremes, aggression, and unilateral illegal retention of funds.

Do not overestimate expectations from verbal agreements, always formalize the transfer of the deposit and return-transfer acts in writing with a detailed description of the condition of the real estate object at the time of moving in and out.

Leave room for life and constructive dialogue, trying to resolve disagreements through peaceful negotiations and finding compromise solutions without going to court.

Fix progress with small control points, including drawing up a detailed inventory of defects, photo and video recording of the condition of the premises, and sending written claims by registered mail with notification.

Act strictly according to the clauses of the lease agreement, which spell out the grounds for withholding the deposit, the terms of its return, and the procedure for resolving possible property claims by the owner or tenant.

Compliance with this procedure protects the interests of both parties and allows for the civilized resolution of any financial disagreements. In case of impossibility to reach an agreement peacefully, the collected evidence base will become a decisive argument in court.