Deposit refund in Umeå: How to get your money back

Deposit refund in Umeå: How to get your money back

When you move out of a rental flat in Umeå, you as a tenant have the right to get back the deposit you paid when you moved in. The landlord may only keep part of the amount if there are justified claims, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. This article explains how the process works, what you can do yourself, and where to turn if the landlord does not repay.

What a deposit is

A deposit is a security that you as a tenant pay to the landlord when the tenancy agreement is signed. The money is intended to cover any unpaid rent or damage to the flat that you or your guests cause. The deposit is not extra rent or a fee – it is your money that the landlord holds during the tenancy.

When the tenancy ends and you move out, the deposit shall be repaid to you, except for any deductions the landlord is entitled to make.

When the deposit should be repaid

When you have moved out and returned the keys, the landlord shall repay the deposit to you. The landlord may only deduct for what has actually occurred and for which you are responsible. It may concern rent you have not paid, or damage to the flat beyond normal wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear means wear and tear that occurs through normal use of the flat over time. It can be marks on the floor, sun-faded surfaces, or general wear of painted surfaces. Such wear and tear is not considered damage, and the landlord may not deduct for it.

What the landlord may deduct

The landlord may only deduct for things you are responsible for and that can be shown. Examples of what may justify deductions:

• Rent or other fees you are obliged to pay but have not paid
• Damage to the flat beyond normal wear and tear, such as broken windows, holes in walls or damaged surfaces
• Costs for extra cleaning if you leave the flat in very poor condition

The landlord needs to be able to show what each deduction concerns. You have the right to receive a specification showing exactly what has been deducted, how large each deduction is, and why.

How to proceed to get your deposit back

You can increase your chances of getting back the entire deposit by proceeding in a structured way when you move out:

1. Give notice in writing

Terminate the tenancy agreement in writing and keep a copy. The notice period is stated in your tenancy agreement. A written notice protects you if there are later discussions about when the tenancy ended.

2. Ask for a move-out inspection

Ask the landlord for a joint inspection of the flat when you move out. During the inspection, you go through the condition of the flat together. Ask for a written inspection protocol that both parties sign. The protocol becomes important evidence if there is later a dispute about the deposit.

3. Return all keys

Return all keys, remote controls and other keys belonging to the flat no later than on the move-out date. If you do not return the keys, the landlord may be entitled to compensation for, for example, changing the locks.

4. Leave a forwarding address

Make sure the landlord has your new address or an email address where you can be reached. Otherwise the landlord may have difficulty returning the deposit or contacting you if questions arise.

5. Demand that the deposit be repaid

Send a letter or an email to the landlord demanding that the deposit be repaid. State your bank account and ask for a reply within a reasonable time. Keep a copy of your message.

6. Keep all documentation

Keep copies of your tenancy agreement, the receipt showing that you paid the deposit, the inspection protocol from the move-out, and all correspondence with the landlord. If there is later a dispute, the documentation is crucial.

If the landlord does not repay

If the landlord does not repay the deposit, or if you consider the deductions unreasonable, there are several steps you can take:

Contact the landlord again

Send a reminder if the landlord does not reply to your first message. Ask for an explanation of why the deposit has not been repaid, and request a specification of any deductions.

Contact Hyresgästföreningen

Hyresgästföreningen is an organization working for tenants' rights. As a member you can get advice and help with pursuing your case. Hyresgästföreningen can help you understand what rights you have and how to proceed.

Turn to Hyresnämnden

Hyresnämnden is an authority that tries disputes between landlords and tenants, such as disputes over deposits. You can apply for Hyresnämnden to try your case. It usually costs nothing to apply, and you do not need an agent.

Consumer guidance in Umeå

You can also turn to the consumer guidance in Umeå municipality for free advice on your rights as a consumer and tenant.

Frequently asked questions about deposits

Must the landlord pay interest on the deposit?

That depends on what is stated in your tenancy agreement. There is no automatic right to interest on the deposit just because the landlord has held the money.

Can the landlord keep the entire deposit?

Only if there are justified claims amounting to the entire sum, such as extensive damage or unpaid rent. The landlord must be able to show each individual deduction and the amount of each deduction.

What counts as normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear is wear and tear that occurs through normal use of the flat over time. It can be marks on the floor, sun-faded surfaces or general wear. Normal wear and tear is not considered damage, and the landlord may not deduct for it.

What can I do if the landlord does not reply?

If the landlord does not reply to your messages, you can contact Hyresgästföreningen for advice, or turn to Hyresnämnden to have the dispute tried.

Checklist before moving out

• Terminate the tenancy agreement in writing and keep a copy
• Ask for a joint move-out inspection and draw up a protocol
• Clean the flat thoroughly before moving out
• Return all keys on time
• Leave your new address or email address with the landlord
• Demand in writing that the deposit be repaid
• Keep copies of tenancy agreement, receipt, inspection protocol and correspondence

If you need help, you can always contact Hyresgästföreningen or the consumer guidance in Umeå municipality for advice.