I’m a Former Resident and I Received a Partial Security Deposit Refund. What Is the Process if I Have Questions Regarding the Deductions?

In North Carolina, renters have the right to receive a clear, itemized accounting and to ask reasonable questions if something doesn't look right.

Here's how the process typically works and what steps to take next.

Start with the Itemized Accounting

Your first step is to carefully review the written itemized list of deductions that accompanied your refund (or interim accounting).

This should include:

A breakdown of each deduction
A description of the issue (damage, cleaning, unpaid rent, etc.)
Dollar amounts tied to each item

If you're unsure what landlords are allowed to deduct in the first place, this overview helps: https://know.movezen360.com/what-are-permitted-uses-of-the-security-deposit-by-a-landlord-or-agent

Understand the Timing and Context

In North Carolina, a deposit return or interim accounting must be provided within 30 days, and a final accounting must be completed within 60 days.

If you received a partial refund early, some deductions may have been estimated and later finalized. This timing structure is explained here: https://know.movezen360.com/is-there-a-deadline-by-which-the-landlord-or-agent-must-return-a-security-deposit

Compare Deductions to Wear and Tear Standards

Many questions come down to whether something is ordinary wear and tear or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Helpful comparisons:

Ordinary wear and tear examples: https://know.movezen360.com/security-deposit-handling-and-normal-wear-tear
Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear examples: https://know.movezen360.com/what-are-some-common-examples-of-damage-beyond-ordinary-wear-and-tear

If a deduction looks like normal aging or routine use, it's reasonable to question it.

Review Your Own Documentation

Before raising questions, gather:

Your move-in photos or condition report
Move-out photos or video
Maintenance requests submitted during your lease
A copy of your lease

These help establish what was pre-existing versus tenant-caused.

How managers evaluate damage is explained here: https://know.movezen360.com/security-deposit-handling-and-normal-wear-tear

How to Raise Questions Productively

When you have questions:

Be specific about which deduction you're asking about
Reference documentation if you have it
Ask how the charge was calculated
Focus on clarity, not confrontation

Many questions are resolved simply by understanding how costs were assessed.

What If Costs Exceeded Your Deposit?

If deductions exceeded your deposit, you should still receive a full accounting, additional charges must be lawful and supported, and the same standards for documentation apply.

This often ties back to move-out damage planning: https://know.movezen360.com/what-happens-if-the-charges-to-the-tenants-security-deposit-exceed-the-amount-of-the-security-deposit

What If You Still Disagree After Reviewing Everything?

If questions remain after reviewing the accounting and documentation:

Re-check lease terms
Confirm timelines were followed
Ensure deductions align with North Carolina law

Not all disagreements mean deductions were improper, but understanding the process helps you assess the situation realistically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I entitled to receipts for every deduction?
You're entitled to an itemized accounting. Receipts may be provided when available or when costs are finalized.

What if I never received an accounting?
That's a serious issue. North Carolina law requires written accounting within set timelines.

Can I dispute deductions months later?
It's best to raise questions promptly after receiving the accounting.

What if deductions were estimated?
Estimates may appear in an interim accounting, but final numbers must be provided by day 60.

Does a partial refund mean I did something wrong?
Not necessarily. Partial refunds are common when lawful deductions apply.