As the tenant, it is important to understand all of the regulations around renting an apartment and be able to protect yourself by knowing all of your legal rights when it comes to your security deposit. A good place to start with this is to know the difference between the security deposit that you give to the landlord and the last month’s rent. They may seem similar, but they are actually quite a bit different too.

Your security deposit is not to be used for the rent. One of the benefits of it is that this money, though you pay it to the landlord, is actually yours. It is money that you will give to the landlord, who is responsible for holding it to pay for any excessive damage to the unit when you move out. If there is no damage to the unit, then you will get the money back. Your last month’s rent money, on the other hand, is going to be to cover the last month’s rent if you decide to move out and do not pay for that month.

Your security deposit in most states, can’t be used to help cover the delinquent rent at all. The landlord is only allowed to use your last month’s rent to help out if you are behind on the rent or you move out and have not paid for it. On the other hand, the security deposit can only be used for certain damages to the apartment. Again, the rules on this will depend on the state and city laws for where you live.

In fact, there are certain areas where the landlord is allowed to collect both of these, and some where they can only choose one to collect at the signing of the lease. If you live in one of the latter, then you can’t be required to hand over the last month’s rent and the security deposit before you move into the apartment, so make sure to check on these rules to get yourself protected ahead of time.

Our 2 bedroom apartments in San Francisco can be the perfect place for you to call your own home. We are proud to offer these spacious apartments to our tenants and feel confident that you will want to move right in and enjoy the location and the great amenities in no time. Whether you need more space for yourself, for your family, or for a few roommates to help with rent, we welcome you to come take a look at our available units and explore whether filling out a rental application today.