Housing problems
How to get your deposit back
What to do when a landlord is late returning your deposit, or is proposing deductions you don't agree with.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15The legal deadline for return is one month after the tenancy ends; if you escalate to mediation or court, resolution can take considerably longer.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Landlords must return your deposit within one month of the tenancy ending. If that doesn't happen, or you disagree with deductions being proposed, there's a clear escalation path to recover what you're owed.
Requirements
- You'll need evidence of the property's condition at move-in and move-out to dispute unfair deductions effectively
- Only damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or breach of contract can legally be deducted from the deposit
Step-by-step process
- Complete the check-out inspection and compare it against your move-in inventory
- If the deposit isn't returned within one month, send a formal written request (burofax is strongest) referencing the legal deadline and any interest owed for the delay
- If your landlord proposes deductions you disagree with, respond in writing explaining why, with your move-in evidence attached
- If unresolved, contact your local OMIC or regional consumer office for free mediation
- As a last resort, deposit disputes can be brought to court — claims under roughly €2,000 generally don't require a lawyer
Required documents
- Move-in and move-out inventory, ideally with dated photos
- Your original rental contract
- Written correspondence with your landlord about the deposit
Common mistakes
- Not having move-in photos, making it much harder to dispute a claimed deduction
- Accepting a deduction for normal wear and tear, which cannot legally be charged against the deposit
- Waiting too long after the deadline to follow up in writing, losing momentum on a clear paper trail
Practical tips
- If the deposit is returned late, you're entitled to claim legal interest on the amount for the period of delay
- A burofax is worth the small cost for anything you may need to prove later — it creates a certified, dated record
How Tuchati can help
Tuchati can help you put together a formal request and figure out the right next step if your landlord isn't cooperating.