Withhold Security Deposit? Free Legal Advice

Questioner

Question/situation: Can the security deposit be retained pending final settlements in order to pay for it? This is stated in my contract, which is why the landlord has been retaining half of my security deposit for three months.

Lawyer

In principle this is not allowed. Deposit is simply settled with rent arrears or repair costs at the end of the lease. The landlord may not wait for the final settlement to settle this with the deposit. If you wish, you may personally email me the rental agreement for review.