[mumto2]

Hi, we're about to sign a lease on an apartment (yay!) but was just wondering with the 2 month deposit and one month rent, where is the deposit held? In Australia the deposit (bond) goes to a separate government agency so its nice and safe and upon the end of the lease, they release it to the tenant (all being good). What happens here? Do you pay the last month's rent and the landlord gives you 2 months back at the end or what?

Meanwhile on a separate issue, some of the apartments I have seen over the last week would NEVER have got their bond back - absolute disgrace!

[jimbo]

The landlord keeps it and you will of course get a receipt to confirm that you have paid this.

[carang]

the deposits are held by the landlord, as far as i'm aware...

legally, you are supposed to pay up until the end of your lease and then get your deposit back within 10 days, however i know MANY, MANY people who give notice and then use their deposit as their last two months rent. i have on occasion done this, but i've always done it after speaking to the landlord.

(ps> i think that the deposit must be returned within 10 days, but i might have that timing wrong)

[mumto2]

thanks Jimbo and Cara!