How to protect your deposit when renting
2026-05-20
The deposit is a common source of conflict between tenants and landlords. Here is how to protect your money.
1. Document the apartment's condition
When moving in, take photos and describe the condition of the apartment and appliances. This helps prove any damage was not your fault.
2. Spell out the deposit return terms
The contract should state the deposit amount, when it can be withheld, and the deadline for returning it.
3. Lock the deposit terms in an e-signed contract
The real protection is the document, not a "special account." In Plint, the deposit amount and its return terms are fixed in a contract both parties sign with an e-signature. The contract has the legal force of a notarized one, so you can rely on it in a dispute. Payment is made directly between the parties (P2P), and the transfer and receipt are marked in the app.
4. Sign an e-signature contract
A contract with an e-signature is legally binding and records all deposit terms, reducing the risk of a dispute.
Learn more about how deposit protection in Plint works.