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🏠 Tenancy Rights

Landlord keeping your deposit?Here's how to get it back.

You left the place clean. You gave proper notice. Now your landlord is deducting thousands for "damages" that were there when you moved in. Sound familiar?

3 free messages · Full guidance from $6

What your landlord can and cannot deduct

✓ CAN deduct
Unpaid rent
Damage beyond normal wear
Cleaning if lease requires it
Lost keys or remotes
Agreed repairs in lease
✗ CANNOT deduct
Normal wear and tear
Faded paint or curtains
Minor wall marks
Worn carpet or flooring
Pre-existing damage

Step by step: getting your deposit back

1
Request itemised deductions in writing
Email your landlord: 'Please provide a written breakdown of all deductions from my deposit, with supporting evidence for each item, within 7 days.'
2
Dispute unfair deductions
Reply to each unfair deduction in writing. Reference your move-in photos, the lease terms, and the principle that normal wear and tear is the landlord's responsibility.
3
Send a formal demand letter
If they don't respond, send a formal letter with a deadline (14 days) stating you will escalate to the tribunal. This alone resolves most disputes.
4
File at the tribunal
Singapore: Small Claims Tribunal (up to $20,000, filing fee ~$10-20). Malaysia: Tribunal for Consumer Claims (up to RM25,000). Both are designed for self-representation — no lawyer needed.
Vera drafts the demand letter for you

Tell Vera your situation — deposit amount, what's being deducted, your lease terms. She'll draft a formal demand letter citing the relevant law, ready to send to your landlord.

Evidence checklist

☐Move-in photos (dated/timestamped)
☐Move-out photos (dated/timestamped)
☐Signed tenancy agreement
☐All WhatsApp/email exchanges with landlord
☐Inventory checklist (if signed at move-in)
☐Receipts for cleaning or repairs you paid for
☐Bank statements showing deposit payment

Get your deposit back — start now

Tell Vera your deposit amount, lease terms, and what your landlord is claiming. She'll tell you what's fair, what's not, and draft your next move.

✓ Demand letter drafted✓ SG & MY law

General legal information, not legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a qualified lawyer.