What we verified in “Getting your security deposit back when you move out”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. Under HUD's public housing rule (24 CFR §966.4(i)), the lease must provide that the housing authority and the tenant inspect the unit before move-in, with a written, signed statement of the condition of the unit and equipment; and that the authority inspects the unit when the tenant moves out and gives a statement of any charges, with the tenant able to take part in that inspection unless the tenant leaves without notice.

   Sources 1 · 24 CFR §966.4(i), 'Pre-occupancy and pre-termination inspections': 'the PHA and the tenant or representative shall be obligated to inspect the dwelling unit prior to commencement of occupancy'; 'a written statement of the condition of the dwelling unit, and the equipment provided with the unit'; 'The statement shall be signed by the PHA and the tenant'; 'to inspect the unit at the time the tenant vacates the unit and to furnish the tenant a statement of any charges'; 'Provision shall be made for the tenant's participation in the latter inspection, unless the tenant vacates without notice to the PHA' · Checked October 31, 2026

2. Under HUD's public housing rule (24 CFR §966.4(b)), the lease must provide for charges for maintenance and repair beyond normal wear and tear and state how they are determined (for example, by a posted schedule of charges); those charges are not due until two weeks after the authority gives written notice, and that notice counts as a notice of adverse action; and any security deposit may not exceed one month's rent or a reasonable fixed amount set by the authority.

   Sources 1 · 24 CFR §966.4(b)(2): 'charges to the tenant for maintenance and repair beyond normal wear and tear'; 'The lease shall state the basis for the determination of such charges (e.g., by a posted schedule of charges for repair'; (b)(4): 'shall not be due and collectible until two weeks after the PHA gives written notice of the charges'; 'Such notice constitutes a notice of adverse action'; (b)(5): 'security deposits which shall not exceed one month's rent or such reasonable fixed amount as may be required by the PHA' · Checked October 31, 2026

3. According to HUD Handbook 4350.3 for HUD-assisted multifamily housing, when the tenant moves out the owner does a move-out inspection, lists damages on a form and compares it with the move-in form to decide whether it is reasonable wear and tear or excessive damage from abuse or negligence; the tenant should get prior notice of that inspection and may accompany the owner, and ideally does, to discuss any differences.

   Sources 2 · Handbook 4350.3 REV-1, Chapter 6, 6-29 Unit Inspections, A.2, p. 6-44: 'Upon the unit being vacated by the tenant, an owner performs a move-out inspection'; 'compare it with the move-in form to determine if the damage is reasonable wear or tear or excessive damage caused by the tenant's abuse or negligence'; 'The tenant should be given prior notice of the move-out inspection and be allowed to accompany the owner if the tenant chooses'; 'Ideally, the tenant should accompany the owner' · Checked October 31, 2026

4. According to HUD Handbook 4350.3, in HUD-assisted multifamily housing, to receive the deposit the tenant must give the owner a forwarding address or arrange to pick it up; within 30 days after move-out (or less if state or local law requires), the owner must refund the full deposit with interest, or give an itemized list of unpaid rent, damages and estimated repair costs, with a statement of the tenant's rights; and if the owner does not provide the list, the tenant is entitled to the full deposit with interest.

   Sources 2 · Handbook 4350.3 REV-1, Chapter 6, 6-18 Refunding and Use of the Security Deposit, p. 6-35 to 6-36: 'a tenant must provide the owner with a forwarding address or arrange to pick up the refund'; 'Within 30 days after the move-out date (or shorter time if required by state and/or local laws)'; 'Refund the full security deposit plus accrued interest'; 'Provide the tenant with an itemized list of any unpaid rent, damages to the unit, and an estimated cost for repair, along with a statement of the tenant’s rights'; 'If the owner fails to provide the list to the tenant, the tenant is entitled to a full refund' · Checked October 31, 2026

5. According to USAGov, before getting outside help in a dispute with a landlord, read your lease carefully and make sure you follow the rules you agreed to; find your state agency that handles tenant rights, such as the attorney general or housing agency; if HUD insures or manages your building, you can report the landlord to HUD's Multifamily Housing Complaint Line; and you can look for affordable legal aid.

   Sources 3 · Tenant rights (USAGov, last updated April 15, 2026): 'Before getting outside help, read your lease carefully. Make sure you are following the rental rules you agreed to'; 'Find help from your state agency that addresses tenant rights'; 'your attorney general or housing agency, your state tenant rights handbook'; 'If the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insures or manages the property where you live, you can report the landlord’s negligence or fraud to HUD’s Multifamily Housing Complaint Line'; 'Learn how to find affordable legal aid' · Checked October 31, 2026

6. According to the LSC, it is an independent nonprofit established by Congress to fund civil legal aid for low-income people in every state, the District of Columbia and the territories; on its website you enter an address or city to find the nearest organization, and LawHelp.org has free legal information and forms.

   Sources 4 · I Need Legal Help: 'LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans'; 'in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories'; 'enter an address or city below to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you'; 'You can also visit LawHelp.org' · Checked October 31, 2026

7. According to the CFPB, the counseling agencies in its search tool are approved by HUD and offer independent advice, often at little or no cost, on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures and credit; you search by ZIP code; and not every agency offers every service.

   Sources 5 · Find a Housing Counselor: 'approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'; 'offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to you'; 'buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues'; 'Search by ZIP code'; 'Not every housing counselor offers all services' · Checked October 31, 2026