Security Deposit Refund Guide and Timeline
This guide explains what your security deposit covers, how deductions are determined, what qualifies as normal wear and tear, and when you can expect your refund after move-out.
What Your Security Deposit Covers
Our goal is for every resident to receive their full deposit back. This guide is here to help you understand what we look for so you can move out with confidence.
Damage Beyond Normal Wear and Tear
Your deposit may be used for repairs needed for damage beyond everyday use, such as broken fixtures, large wall damage, missing items, or significant pet-related damage.
Excess Cleaning, If Needed
Charges may apply only when cleaning is needed beyond standard move-out condition.
Property Condition Issues
This may include unauthorized alterations or damage not present at move-in that requires repair before a new resident moves in.
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage
Knowing the difference can help you prepare for move-out and avoid surprises. If you're unsure about anything, your pre-move-out inspection is the best time to ask. The examples below cover common situations, but every home is different, so use them as a helpful starting point rather than a complete list.
Normal Wear & Tear — Examples
- Lightly worn carpet paths from regular foot traffic
- Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- Minor scuffs on walls from everyday use
- Faded paint from sunlight exposure
- Light scratches on floors from furniture
- Routine appliance wear from normal use
Damage That May Require Repair
- Large holes or patches in walls
- Deep stains, burns, or ripped carpet
- Broken blinds, doors, or light fixtures
- Pet odors, stains, or chew marks
- Missing or broken appliance parts
- Excessive dirt or lack of cleaning
Security Deposit Refund Steps for Maymont Homes Residents
- 1
Schedule Your Pre-Move-Out Inspection
After you submit your Notice to Vacate, our customer service team will call to schedule your in-person pre-move-out inspection, typically 30–45 days before your move-out date.
- Designed to help identify any conditions that could affect your security deposit
- Gives you time to address them before your final inspection
- 2
Digital Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Around 21–30 days before your move-out date, you will receive an email to complete a digital inspection from your phone.
- Document your home's condition with photos before the final inspection
- Both pre-move-out inspections are optional, but we encourage all residents to participate
- 3
In-Person Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Our team will walk through the home with you and point out anything that may need attention before your final inspection.
- Ask questions and understand move-out expectations
- Address potential concerns before your final inspection
- 4
Final Inspection
Once you have moved out, we complete a final inspection to document the home's condition and note any cleaning, repairs, or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- 5
Receive Your Statement of Deposit Accounting (SODA)
After the final inspection, you will receive an itemized statement outlining your original deposit, any adjustments, and the remaining return amount if applicable.
- Your return is mailed to the forwarding address on file
- Sent within the timeframe required by state law
How to Maximize Your Security Deposit Refund
Follow the Move-Out Cleaning Guide, patch nail holes and remove hooks/anchors, remove all trash and belongings from the home, garage, attic, and yard, submit maintenance requests for covered issues, take time-stamped photos of each room after cleaning, save receipts for professional cleaning or repairs, replace burnt-out bulbs and install fresh HVAC filters, address any pet-related cleaning, return all keys and access items on time, and keep utilities on until your final inspection is complete.
How Security Deposit Charges Are Calculated
Security deposit charges are only applied when needed to restore the home to its original move-in condition. These costs cover the actual repair or cleaning work completed after move-out — they are not kept as profit. The ranges below are general estimates for transparency; actual costs vary by vendor pricing, the specific situation, and local market conditions.
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Stove / Oven | Cleaning: $10–$75 |
| Carpet Cleaning | Per room: $35–$100 |
| Trash Removal | By volume: $100–$1,500 |
| Wall Damage Repaint | Per sq. ft: $0.50–$1.75 |
| Broken Blinds | Per window: $25–$100 |
| Pet Treatment | By condition: $100–$1,500 |
Costs vary by market and contractor availability. The above ranges are estimates only and not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about security deposits, refunds, deductions, and what to expect after move-out.
Yes. Security deposits at Maymont Homes are refundable, though the final amount returned depends on the condition of the home at move-out. Charges may apply for damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning beyond standard move-out condition, or property condition issues.
After your final inspection, you'll receive a Statement of Deposit Accounting (SODA) that itemizes your original deposit, any deductions, and the remaining return amount if applicable. Most returns are processed and mailed about 30 days after your move-out date, within the timeframe required by state law.
Most security deposit refunds are processed and mailed about 30 days after your move-out date, based on your state's landlord-tenant laws and your lease agreement.
Your refund is sent to the forwarding address you provided. If a refund is owed, delivery may take a few additional days depending on the postal service.
Your SODA is the itemized document Maymont sends after move-out showing exactly how your security deposit was applied. It's prepared after you return your keys and the home's final condition has been assessed.
It includes your original security deposit amount, any charges for cleaning or damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the final refund amount (if applicable). Once finalized, it's sent to the forwarding address on file — confirm your forwarding address is up to date before your move-out date.
If you have questions about specific line items, cleaning charges, damage deductions, or your final refund amount, email sodas@maymonthomes.com.
Start by attending your Pre-Move-Out Inspection (PMOI). During the walkthrough, we'll review the home with you and point out any items that may affect your security deposit, giving you time to address them before move-out.
Follow the Move-Out Cleaning Guide room by room, patch nail holes and minor wall damage, remove all personal items and trash, take time-stamped photos of every room after cleaning, and save receipts for any professional cleaning or repairs.
Normal wear and tear refers to everyday deterioration through routine use — minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint over time, and light carpet wear in high-traffic areas — and is generally not considered damage.
Damage beyond normal use may result in deductions: large holes in walls, broken fixtures/doors/appliances, pet-related damage beyond your lease terms, excessive stains/burns/odors, and carpet damage requiring replacement. If you're unsure about a specific item, your Pre-Move-Out Inspection is a great time to review it with our team.
Your move-out process is the same as any resident: submit your notice to vacate, attend your pre-move-out inspection, and complete your final inspection. If charges apply after the final inspection, Maymont Homes submits a claim to Rhino on your behalf, and Rhino contacts you directly to arrange payment.
Rhino premium payments are not refundable because the program replaces the upfront cash deposit rather than holding funds for return.
For questions about your security deposit refund or Statement of Deposit Accounting (SODA), contact the Maymont Homes Team at sodas@maymonthomes.com. The inbox is monitored daily.
To help us assist you more quickly, please include your full name, property address, and move-out date in your email.
Quick Links
All Move-Out Resources
Jump directly to any step in the guide, or use the pages in order from start to finish.