Tenants
Rental deposit: how it works and how to avoid being scammed
A rental deposit is a sum of money you pay to the landlord as security when you rent a home. It should be paid back when the rental period ends, as long as you don’t owe the landlord anything, and the law sets no limit on how large it can be. Never pay a deposit before you have seen the home and signed a lease, as deposit scams are common.
Search homes where you can rent without a deposit
What is a rental deposit?
A rental deposit is money you leave as security when you rent a home. The money is still yours, but it stays with the landlord as a guarantee in case you cause damage or don’t pay the rent.
So the deposit is not a fee and not part of the rent. It is most common when you rent second hand or from a private landlord, since the landlord is renting out their own home and wants some security if something happens.
How large a deposit can the landlord ask for?
The law sets no limit on how large a deposit the landlord can ask for. You and the landlord agree on the amount, and it should be written in the lease together with what applies to the deposit.
If you think the amount is too high you can try to negotiate, but you have no right to demand a lower deposit. So make sure you know exactly what you are paying for and always get a receipt.
Do you get your deposit back?
Yes, you should get your deposit back when the rental period ends, as long as you don’t owe the landlord anything. If you have caused damage to the home or have rent left to pay, the landlord can deduct it from the deposit.
The best protection is an inspection report that you fill in together at move-in and move-out. Then it is on record what the home looked like when you moved in, and it becomes much harder to charge you for damage that was already there.
Should you pay a security deposit before seeing the apartment?
No, never pay a security deposit in advance, before you have seen the apartment, met the landlord and signed a lease. That is exactly how most deposit scams work: someone posts an ad for a home that doesn’t exist, or isn’t theirs, and asks for money to hold it for you.
Once you have paid, both the money and the person disappear. So however good the listing looks, wait to pay until everything is settled and the lease is signed.
How to spot a deposit scam
You spot a deposit scam by a landlord who wants money quickly and avoids meeting. Be extra careful if the landlord says they are abroad, wants to post the keys, gets irritated when you ask questions or writes that it is first come, first served.
Rent that is much lower than for similar homes is another warning sign, especially in the big cities. Never pay in cash, and choose a payment method that can be traced. Read more tips on how to avoid problems when you rent second hand.
Can you rent a home without a deposit?
Yes, it is possible to rent a home without a deposit, but the landlord decides. Many private landlords want a deposit, so ask before the viewing what applies.
When you rent through Samtrygg you have the option to rent without a deposit. If a deposit is needed, Samtrygg holds it for the whole rental period, so it is never paid out to the landlord.
Rent more safely through Samtrygg
On Samtrygg you don’t have to send money to a stranger and hope for the best. You are protected against advance payment fraud, housing listings are checked and payments go safely through us, so you can put your energy into finding the right home. You book a viewing directly in the listing and sign the lease digitally with the landlord.
You sign the lease directly with the landlord, and registration is free and it is free to search for housing. The Safety Package is included in every rental:
- Option to rent without a deposit
- Protection against advance payment fraud
- Safe and secure payments
- Home insurance included for the first 30 days
- Checked housing listings
- Inspection report at move-in and move-out
- Legal advice
- Personal service and help throughout the process
Frequently asked questions about rental deposits
Do I have to pay a deposit when I rent second hand?
No, there is no requirement to pay a deposit, it is up to the landlord. Many private landlords want one, so ask early and make sure the amount is written in the lease.
Can the landlord deduct money from the deposit?
Yes, if you have caused damage to the home or have unpaid rent, the landlord can deduct it from the deposit. An inspection report from move-in shows which damage was already there, so you don’t have to pay for it.
What do I do if I don’t get my deposit back?
Start by asking for it back in writing and ask the landlord to explain any deductions. Keep the lease, receipts and inspection report. If you can’t agree, you can get help from legal advice.
Who holds the deposit when I rent through Samtrygg?
If a deposit is needed, Samtrygg holds it for the whole rental period, and it is never paid out to the landlord. You also have the option to rent without a deposit through Samtrygg.
Is a deposit the same as rent paid in advance?
No. A deposit is security that you should get back, while rent paid in advance is rent you pay ahead for a period you will live in the home. So you don’t get rent paid in advance back when you move out.
Summary
A rental deposit is security for the landlord that you should get back when the rental period ends, as long as you don’t owe anything. The law sets no limit, so write the amount in the lease, fill in an inspection report at move-in and never pay anything before you have seen the home. If you want to skip the worry altogether, you can rent through Samtrygg, where you have the option to rent without a deposit.
Find your next home through Samtrygg
Last updated 21 October 2026
