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Deposit for a flat, room, and student halls – a student’s guide

What is a rental deposit and how much is it during university?

Renting your first place is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with upfront costs. A deposit for a flat or room is a refundable security payment required by the landlord (or university hall management). It serves to cover any potential damages caused by the tenant or to secure any outstanding rent or utility payments.

How much is a standard student deposit?

• Renting a room/flat: It is typically the equivalent of 1 or 2 months’ rent. While legal regulations state that a deposit cannot exceed 12 months’ rent, it is rare to see a deposit higher than 2 months on the student housing market.
• Student halls (dormitories): Both public and private student halls also charge a deposit, which is usually a fixed amount (e.g., equivalent to one month’s rent for that specific room standard).

Zwrot kaucji po zakończeniu umowy – jak zabezpieczyć swoje pieniądze?

The most common issue students face is getting their room or flat deposit back. By law, the landlord has up to 30 days from the date the premises are vacated to settle the account and return your money. How can you ensure you get 100% of it back?

1. Prepare a move-in/move-out report (inventory and condition report): Sign it both when moving in and moving out. Record the meter readings and document any defects.
2. Take photos on the day you receive the keys: Photograph every scratch, stain, or broken appliance. This is your undeniable proof that the damage existed beforehand.
3. Keep it clean: Thoroughly clean the room before handing over the keys. A dirty flat is the most common excuse for deducting professional cleaning costs from your deposit.

Important: Normal wear and tear (i.e., deterioration resulting from proper use, such as a slightly worn carpet or minor scuffs on the walls) cannot be a basis for deducting money from your deposit!

Deposit vs. online room booking

If you are booking a room in a private student hall or through an agency before arriving in your university city, make sure the amount you are paying is indeed a refundable deposit and not a booking fee (which is often non-refundable if you decide to cancel).