What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Typically: unpaid rent or utility bills, damage beyond normal wear and tear (holes in walls, broken fixtures, stained carpets), and the cost of restoring the property to its original condition — e.g. repainting if walls were painted a different color without permission. Normal wear and tear — faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet from everyday use — is generally not a valid deduction.
How long does a landlord have to refund the deposit?
This varies by state and by what's agreed in the rental agreement, but it's common practice in India to settle the deposit within 1-4 weeks of move-out, once the property has been inspected and any dues are settled. Specifying a clear timeline in the agreement upfront avoids disputes later.
What if deductions exceed the deposit?
If itemized deductions add up to more than the deposit amount, the tenant owes the difference to the landlord — this calculator shows that as "Amount owed by tenant" instead of a refund. In practice, this should only happen for significant damage or a large unpaid rent balance, not routine wear and tear.