security deposit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "security deposit" is correct and usable in written English and is used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you might say: "I had to pay a security deposit of $500 to the landlord before I moved into my apartment".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The security deposit was waived.

The New York Times

Should I withhold the tenant's security deposit?

The New York Times - Magazine

Interest Rate on A Security Deposit Q.

The New York Times

Mr. Turner's church donated the security deposit.

The New York Times

Paying Interest On Security Deposit Q.

The New York Times

"I would like to get my security deposit back".

The New York Times

Rate: $13,500 for the month, plus security deposit.

The New York Times

The security deposit is an owner's best protection against damage.

The New York Times

A break-in at a Hatton Garden security deposit centre.

The Guardian

The Neediest Cases contributed $350 to cover the security deposit.

The New York Times

Must a New Owner Return a Security Deposit?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always document the condition of the property with photos and a written report before the tenant moves in to justify any deductions from the "security deposit".

Common error

Don't withhold any portion of the "security deposit" without providing a detailed, itemized list of damages and associated costs to the tenant within the legally required timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "security deposit" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing financial transactions related to rentals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

29%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "security deposit" is a common and well-understood term referring to a payment made to secure a contractual obligation, most often in rental agreements. Ludwig AI validates its usage across varied contexts. Primarily functioning as a noun phrase, it serves to identify and clarify financial responsibilities. While its register is neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by wiki and science contexts. To avoid disputes, it's crucial to clearly define the terms of return in any agreement. Understanding the typical mistakes, such as not itemizing deductions, can ensure compliance and positive tenant-landlord relations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rental bond

Synonymous term commonly used in some regions for a security deposit.

lease deposit

Specifies the deposit is associated with a lease agreement.

tenant deposit

Identifies the payer as the tenant.

rental deposit

Specifically refers to a deposit made in the context of renting a property.

damage deposit

Emphasizes the purpose of the deposit as covering potential damages.

refundable deposit

Focuses on the aspect of the deposit being returned to the payer.

advance rent security

Highlights that the deposit protects future rental payments.

initial security payment

Specifies it as the first payment made for security.

prepayment security

Highlights the advanced nature of the payment and its function as security.

monetary guarantee

Uses broader terms to describe the function of the deposit as a financial assurance.

FAQs

How is a "security deposit" typically used by landlords?

Landlords use a "security deposit" to cover potential damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or costs incurred if the tenant breaks the lease. It's essentially a financial safeguard for the landlord.

What are some acceptable alternatives to the term "security deposit"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "rental deposit", "damage deposit", or "rental bond". These terms all convey the same basic concept of a payment to protect against potential losses.

What should I do if my landlord doesn't return my "security deposit"?

If your landlord fails to return your "security deposit" without a valid reason and itemized list of deductions, you should first send a written demand for its return. If that doesn't work, you may need to pursue legal action.

Are there legal limits to how much a landlord can charge for a "security deposit"?

Yes, many jurisdictions have laws that limit the amount a landlord can charge for a "security deposit", often capping it at one or two months' rent. These laws also dictate how the deposit must be held and when it must be returned.