Did the landlord comply with this return/itemization rule: 21 calendar days after tenant vacates premises?
Core factFree renter tool
Bad-Faith Evidence Checklist
Organize facts that may matter to a deposit dispute without scoring intent, liability, or statutory damages.
How to use this checklist
Identify records and procedural questions that deserve a closer look. Then compare the facts with the cited standard; findings about intent, liability, or damages depend on the full evidence, available defenses, and applicable law.
Potential remedy described in the source: In addition to actual damages, a court may award up to 2x the deposit for bad-faith retention
Check the eligibility conditions, required facts, defenses, and remedy language in the official source.
Answer from records you can preserve
Did you receive a timely, specific itemized statement of deductions?
Core factDo any charges appear to be for ordinary aging or normal use rather than tenant-caused damage?
Core factDo move-in records show that any charged condition already existed?
Core factDid you receive the supporting documents that apply to the deductions? Supporting documents generally accompany combined repair and cleaning deductions over $125. For $125 or less, a tenant can request the documents within 14 days after receiving the itemization, and the landlord then has 14 days to provide them.
Supporting factFor a covered move-out on or after 2025-04-01, did you receive the required move-out and repair photographs?
Supporting factFor a covered tenancy beginning on or after 2025-07-01, did you receive the required move-in photographs?
Supporting factDid the landlord give the inspection notice or offer required for your situation?
Supporting factDo you have communications or records relevant to bad-faith retention?
Core factHow mental-state findings work
Labels such as bad faith, willful, intentional, or without a reasonable basis are legal standards—not quiz results. A missed deadline, missing receipt, or disputed charge may be relevant, but usually does not establish the required state of mind by itself.
Preserve the lease, deposit receipt, move-in and move-out records, notices, envelopes, emails, photographs, invoices, and responses after you supplied contrary evidence. If enhanced damages materially affect your decision, consider state-licensed legal help.