A refundable damage or security deposit must be distinguished from nonrefundable cleaning fees. If a deposit or nonrefundable fee is charged, the lease or rental agreement must be in writing, and must include the terms and conditions under which any deposit will be returned. A deposit cannot be withheld for normal wear and tear. If a tenant pays a deposit, the landlord must provide a document describing the condition of the rental unit. The landlord is required to keep deposits in a trust account, and must also provide the tenant with a receipt and the name and address of the depository.
Any interest earned on a deposit belongs to the landlord.
If a landlord does not comply, the full amount of the deposit must be refunded to the tenant, regardless of any claims by the landlord that the tenant is not entitled to a refund. The landlord must provide and maintain the rental property, and must obey the rules of the rental agreement. The landlord may not knowingly rent property that is condemned. The right to terminate the rental agreement and move out after giving written notice to the landlord. The right to initiate litigation or arbitration proceedings.