The rental deposit

How much can a landlord ask, and when do I get it back?

What the law says

A rental deposit may not exceed two months’ rent (Art. 5).
The landlord cannot refuse a deposit in the form of a bank guarantee (Art. 5).
A written check-in report signed by both sides must be made at the latest on the day you move in (Art. 5).
Estate agent fees are split half and half between landlord and tenant (Art. 5).

If the check-out report matches the check-in report and nothing is owed, half the deposit must be returned at the latest one month after you hand back the keys (Art. 5).
The rest comes back at the latest one month after the service-charge statements or the co-owners’ approval of the accounts; every deduction must be backed by documents (Art. 5).
Hand the keys over in person or by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt: that date starts the clock (Art. 5).

By practice area, language and town, in a neutral order.