Calculate a Deposit Refund
Subtract unpaid rent, damage, cleaning, utilities, missing keys, and other entered costs from the available deposit.
Rental Deposit Planning Tool
Security Deposit Calculator
Estimate the security deposit collected at move-in or calculate the potential refund after deductions, credits, and optional interest.
Deposit estimate
Itemized deductions
Optional interest
Instant refund result
Enter Rental Details
Add the original deposit, allowable deductions, and any interest or credits that should be included.
Clear Rental Calculations
What This Security Deposit Calculator Can Do
Review the total deposit, organize possible deductions, and estimate the amount that may be returned to the tenant.
Review the Full Breakdown
See the original deposit, interest, credits, total deductions, refund percentage, and any possible balance owed.
Plan With Better Records
Use the itemized result as a planning reference before reviewing invoices, photos, inspection reports, and lease terms.
Simple Process
How to Use the Security Deposit Calculator
Complete four simple steps to estimate a rental security deposit refund.
Choose a Currency
Select the currency used in your lease or rental agreement.
Enter the Deposit
Add the original security deposit and any additional refundable credit.
Add Deductions
Enter documented costs such as unpaid rent, damage, or cleaning.
Review the Result
Check the estimated refund, deduction total, and possible balance owed.
What Is a Security Deposit?
A security deposit is money paid by a tenant before moving into a rental property. It may help protect the landlord against unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear, missing items, or other costs permitted by the lease and applicable law.
The deposit is generally not treated as ordinary rental income when it remains refundable. At the end of the tenancy, the landlord may return the deposit in full or subtract valid, properly documented deductions.
Common Security Deposit Deductions
- Unpaid rent or other lease-approved charges.
- Repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Cleaning costs when the property requires more than routine cleaning.
- Replacement of missing keys, remotes, or access devices.
- Outstanding utility charges when legally chargeable to the tenant.
Normal Wear and Tear Versus Damage
Normal wear and tear usually refers to deterioration caused by ordinary use, such as minor carpet wear or lightly faded paint. Damage may include broken fixtures, large wall holes, burns, unauthorized alterations, or other avoidable harm.
The exact distinction can depend on the property's age, condition at move-in, length of tenancy, lease terms, and local rental rules. Move-in photos, move-out photos, inspection reports, and invoices can help support an accurate calculation.
Why Itemized Records Matter
An itemized statement makes the calculation easier to understand. Instead of entering one combined figure, list each deduction separately and retain supporting evidence. This improves transparency for both tenants and landlords.
Important:
This Security Deposit Calculator provides a general financial estimate,
not legal advice. Security deposit limits, deadlines, interest rules,
documentation requirements, and permitted deductions vary by location.
Review your lease and the rules that apply to the rental property.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how rental security deposits, deductions, refunds, and interest work.
It adds the original deposit, additional credits, and optional interest. It then subtracts the deductions you enter to estimate the refundable amount.
Yes. The estimated refund can be zero when valid deductions equal or exceed the available security deposit. The calculator also displays any estimated amount exceeding the deposit.
Rules vary by location, but ordinary wear is commonly treated differently from tenant-caused damage. The property's age, move-in condition, tenancy length, and local law may affect the result.
In some locations, landlords must place deposits in specific accounts or pay interest. In other locations, no interest is required. Enable the interest option only when it applies.
Useful records may include the lease, move-in inspection, move-out inspection, dated photographs, invoices, receipts, repair estimates, payment records, and written communication.
The calculator shows a zero refund and lists the excess as a possible balance owed. Whether that amount is legally recoverable depends on the lease, evidence, and applicable law.
Yes. Tenants can estimate a possible refund, while landlords can organize an initial breakdown of the deposit and deductions. Both parties should verify the final figures with actual records.