Sample Deposit Return Record and Request Letter

Basic Rules on Deposits

In residential and roofed business tenancies, where a security deposit is agreed it cannot exceed three months' rent. A deposit given in money is placed in a term savings account that cannot be drawn on without the landlord's consent.

A deposit held at a bank can be released only with both parties' consent, on final enforcement proceedings or under a final court judgment. If, within three months of the end of the tenancy, the landlord does not notify the bank in writing that they have brought an action or started enforcement against the tenant, the bank must return the deposit at the tenant's request.

In practice deposits are often paid directly to the landlord. In that case return rests on the parties' agreement and the handover record.

What Deductions Are Permitted?

• Unpaid rent
• Unpaid common expenses (dues)
• The cost of repairing damage caused by the tenant's fault
• Unpaid utility bills, where the contract so provides

No deduction may be made for wear and tear arising from normal use. Faded paint and natural wear of flooring count as ordinary use.

Copyable Handover and Deposit Return Record

HANDOVER OF PREMISES AND DEPOSIT RETURN RECORD

Date: …/…/20…

Property: ……………………… Apartment/Complex, independent unit no. ……, Address

LANDLORD: ……………… (Full Name)    TENANT: ……………… (Full Name)

Tenancy agreement date: …/…/20…    Move-out date: …/…/20…

1. METER READINGS
Electricity: ………………   Water: ………………   Gas: ………………
Accounts closed / transferred by the tenant: Yes / No

2. OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS
Unpaid rent: ………… TRY
Unpaid dues: ………… TRY (no-debt letter from the management attached)
Unpaid bills: ………… TRY

3. CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY
Walls/paint: ………………   Flooring: ………………
Kitchen/bathroom plumbing: ………………   Doors/windows: ………………
Fixtures (list if any): ………………………
Damage identified: ……………………… — Repair cost: ………… TRY

4. DEPOSIT CALCULATION
Deposit received: ………… TRY
Total deductions: ………… TRY
Amount to be returned: ………… TRY

5. PAYMENT
The above amount was paid on …/…/20… by ……………… (cash / bank transfer to IBAN ………………).

By signing this record the parties declare that their mutual obligations under the tenancy have been performed and that they have no further claims against one another.

LANDLORD ……………… Signature    TENANT ……………… Signature

ANNEX: No-debt letter from the building management

Copyable Deposit Return Request

Dear ……………………… (Landlord's Full Name)

Subject: My request for the return of the deposit.

Date: …/…/20…

I was the tenant of independent unit no. …… in ……………………… Apartment/Complex under the tenancy agreement dated …/…/20…. The tenancy ended on …/…/20… and the property was handed back to you.

Under the agreement, a deposit of ………… TRY was paid to you.

As at the date of handover:

– I have no unpaid rent.
– The letter from the management dated …/…/20… confirms that I have no outstanding common expense (dues) debt (attached).
– Electricity, water and gas accounts have been closed by me and final readings paid.
– There is no damage to the property beyond wear and tear from ordinary use.

I therefore request that the deposit of ………… TRY be returned to my account with IBAN ……………… within …… days of receipt of this letter.

Failing this, I reserve my right to pursue legal remedies.

Full Name: ………………………    Signature: ………
Contact: ………………    IBAN: ………………

ANNEXES: 1) No-debt letter for dues 2) Handover record 3) Final utility payment receipts

Filling Guide

Complete the handover record on the day of the move, with the property empty and both parties present. A record completed later cannot show who caused any damage.

Write down the meter readings and photograph them. Most disputes about bills arise from skipping this step.

Obtain a no-debt letter for dues from the management and attach it. Unpaid dues are the most common reason for deductions.

If the Deposit Is Not Returned

Send a written request first, then a notarial notice. Enforcement proceedings or an action for the debt before the Civil Court of Peace may follow.

Where the deposit is blocked at a bank and the landlord has not notified the bank of an action or enforcement within three months of the end of the tenancy, the tenant may apply to the bank directly for its return.

Common Mistakes

• Handing back without a record: leaves no way to prove the condition.
• Not recording meter readings: final bills become contentious.
• No no-debt letter for dues: the most common ground for deductions.
• Treating wear and tear as damage: no deduction can be made for faded paint.
• Treating the deposit as the last month's rent: it cannot be set off unless the contract allows it.

This content and these templates are for information only and are examples. Adapt them to your situation; if in doubt, consult a lawyer.