Tenant Rights: Landlord Refusing to Return Your PG Deposit? Know When It Can Be Illegal and What You Can Do
Property Rules: Not getting your security deposit back after leaving a paying guest (PG) accommodation or rented room can become a major dispute between tenants and landlords. Many tenants are unsure about when a landlord can deduct money from the deposit, how much can be deducted, and what steps they can take if the remaining amount is not returned. If you live in a PG or rented accommodation, or have recently moved out, it is important to understand your basic rights and keep proper records of your payments and agreement. What Happens to the Security Deposit When You Leave a PG? Simply leaving a PG does not automatically give the landlord the right to keep your entire security deposit. Depending on the terms of the agreement and applicable laws, a landlord may be able to deduct legitimate outstanding amounts, such as unpaid rent, electricity or water bills, or reasonable costs for damage caused by the tenant. However, there is an important difference between actual damage and normal...