Security deposits are a type of refundable fee where a tenant pays a specific amount (often many hundreds of dollars) to a landlord to "ensure" that they don't damage a residence while living there. If the residence is damaged, the landlord keeps the deposit. The term is derived from contract law where "security" just means a way to make sure that a party to a contract meets their contractual obligations.

There are many instances where a landlord illegally keeps the deposit over damage that was either already existing or minimal (also referred to as "wear and tear" damage, which is expected when you live somewhere long-term), so OP is calling for the courts to determine the extent of damage to prevent landlords from taking advantage of tenants.

In some jurisdictions (like the one I live in), security deposits and most other related deposits such as key deposits (i.e., a refundable fee paid to obtain a key to the residence) are completely illegal in order to eliminate the possibility entirely.

[–] Gethund@lemm.ee 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Thank you for the explanation.

[–] Lv_InSaNe_vL@lemmy.world 1 points 19 hours ago

Do you not have security deposits where you are? That's strange honestly lol

[–] gonzo-rand19@moist.catsweat.com 5 points 1 day ago

You're welcome. Hopefully you don't have to deal with security deposits any time soon. :3

[–] Gethund@lemm.ee 4 points 1 day ago

Sorry, still new migrant. Just wanted to say I have never seen the descriptions of the emojis before! I was getting some of them SO wrong! 😱