Renter glossary
The words in your lease and your landlord’s letters, explained in plain English, with how each state handles them and the statute section to cite.
- Bad faith (deposit retention)In Texas, keeping a deposit dishonestly or without a lawful basis, which triggers triple damages.
- Delivery of possession (surrender)Handing the rental back: returning the keys and moving out. Many deposit deadlines start here.
- Forwarding addressThe address you give your landlord after moving out so the deposit and itemized list can reach you.
- Itemized list of deductionsThe landlord’s written, item-by-item explanation of what was kept from your deposit and why.
- Late feeA charge for paying rent after the due date, capped or conditioned by some states.
- Month-to-month tenancyA rental with no fixed end date that renews each month until someone gives notice.
- Move-in checklist (condition report)A written record of the unit’s condition at move-in, used to settle deposit disputes at move-out.
- Nonrefundable feeA charge the landlord keeps regardless of the unit’s condition, such as a pet fee.
- Normal wear and tearDeterioration from ordinary, intended use of a rental. Landlords may not deduct it from your deposit.
- Prepaid rent (last month’s rent)Rent paid in advance. Whether it counts toward the deposit limit depends on the state.
- Prorated rentRent for a partial month, worked out by the day.
- Rental agreement (lease)The written or oral agreement that sets the terms for using and occupying a rental unit.
- Security depositMoney a tenant pays up front to secure performance of the lease, returned at move-out minus lawful deductions.
- Security deposit return deadlineThe number of days a landlord has after move-out to return the deposit or explain deductions.
- Wrongfully withheld deposit (penalties)The part of a deposit a landlord kept without a lawful basis, and the extra damages states add on top.
Definitions and rules come from each state’s official statute text. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the statute or a local tenant organization before you act.