Can my landlord keep my deposit and still bill me for more?
Only for real, documented costs. A landlord can seek amounts beyond your deposit if actual damage or unpaid rent genuinely exceeds it — but they must be able to prove it, usually with an itemized accounting, and you can dispute charges you believe are wrong or inflated. They can't simply demand extra money.
Renter Shield provides legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. The right answer depends on your state, city, lease, and situation — the app shows the current rule for where you live and always points you to free legal aid.
What this means
Your deposit is the first thing applied to legitimate unpaid rent or damage. If real, documented costs exceed the deposit, a landlord may bill you for the difference — but the key word is documented.
You have the right to see an itemized accounting and the evidence behind it. Charges for normal wear and tear, or amounts with no support, are exactly what tenants successfully dispute.
If a landlord threatens collections or credit reporting over disputed charges, that doesn't make the charge valid — you can still contest it, and there are limits on debt-collection conduct.
What to do
- Request a full itemized accounting with receipts or estimates in writing.
- Separate legitimate damage from normal wear and tear and from unsupported charges.
- Respond in writing disputing anything you believe is wrong — keep everything.
- For collections threats or large amounts, talk to legal aid before paying.
How this varies by where you live
What counts as recoverable damage, and the process a landlord must follow, depends on your state. Renter Shield helps you organize the evidence and shows your state's rules.
Free help — always free
You never need Renter Shield to reach help:
- Call 211 · in a crisis, call or text 988 (or visit 211.org) for local rental assistance and referrals.
- Find free legal aid near you at lawhelp.org.
- Read HUD’s tenant rights overview.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
Know exactly where you stand — in your state.
Renter Shield shows the current rule for your state, keeps your evidence private on your device, and drafts calm, professional letters — free to start.