What to do if your landlord won't return your security deposit

It happens more often than it should: your tenancy ends, you leave the apartment in good condition, and the landlord either delays returning your deposit or makes deductions you disagree with. Here is how to handle it in each country.

Step 1: Send a formal written request

Start with a polite but firm written request (email or letter) asking for the deposit back or a detailed statement of any deductions. State a deadline — 14 days is reasonable. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Step 2: Check your country's deadline rules

Each country has different rules for when the landlord must return the deposit:

Step 3: Gather your evidence

Collect your signed lease, move-in report or photos, move-out photos, any written communication with the landlord, and receipts for any repairs you made. The stronger your documentation, the faster this resolves.

Before filing, confirm the exact legal framework in your country: Denmark, Denmark deposit rules, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, and Sweden.

Step 4: Contact the relevant dispute body

• Denmark: Huslejenævnet (Rent Board) — filing costs ~350 DKK
• Germany: Mieterverein (tenant association) for advice, then Amtsgericht (local court) if needed
• France: Commission départementale de conciliation (free mediation service)
• Spain: Send a burofax (legal proof of delivery via Correos), then small claims court
• Norway: Husleietvistutvalget (Rent Dispute Tribunal) in major cities, or Forliksrådet elsewhere
• Sweden: Hyresnämnden (Rent Tribunal) — free process, no lawyer needed

Step 5: Prevent it next time

The best defense is documentation. Review your contract before signing (use our contract review tool). Photograph everything at move-in (see our inspection checklist). Communicate in writing throughout the tenancy. And at move-out, take matching photos before handing back the keys.