●Free Tool
How Strong Is Your Deposit Case?
Answer a few questions and get an honest read on your case — your realistic recovery, the statutory penalty your state allows, and the specific facts working for and against you. If your case is weak, we will say so instead of selling you a letter that loses.
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you decide if my deposit case is strong or weak?
We look at the facts that actually decide these disputes: whether your landlord missed the legal deadline to return the deposit, whether they sent the itemized list of deductions your state requires, whether the charges are things landlords are allowed to bill for, and whether you have move-in photos to back you up. A missed deadline or an illegal deduction makes a case strong. Legitimate, well-documented charges with no evidence on your side make it weak — and we will tell you that.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. Faded paint, small nail holes, worn carpet near the end of its life, and minor scuffs are normal wear and tear in every state. A landlord cannot charge you to repaint after a multi-year tenancy or replace a carpet that was already past its useful life. If those are on your itemized list, that part of the deduction is not chargeable.
What does the recovery estimate include?
It is the amount withheld (your deposit minus anything already returned) plus the statutory penalty your state allows when a landlord wrongfully keeps a deposit. Many states let you recover two or three times the withheld amount. The estimate is the best-case figure under the statute — it is not a prediction of what a court will award.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is an informational estimate based on the facts you entered and publicly available state law. It is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome of any case. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a lawyer or your local legal aid office.
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About DepositHawk — DepositHawk is the renter's command center. Free tools to check your rights, audit your fees, and verify your rent. 50-state coverage. Last updated June 2026. Researched by the DepositHawk Research Team.