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Q.

What Happens If Landlord Does Not Return Deposit Within 21 Days?

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0 2025-05-02T17:34:29+00:00

Landlords in Bengaluru are requesting security deposits of six to nine months' rent, which frequently surpass Rs.3 lakh, as rents continue to rise. However, many tenants encounter difficulties when landlords decline to return the deposit. So, let me tell you, what happens if landlord does not return deposit within 21 days. As a tenant, you can take multiple actions, like sending a legal notice and possibly filing a lawsuit in civil court.

What to Do If Owner is Not Returning Deposit?

In India, the legal framework governing the return of a security deposit by a landlord is primarily associated with the terms specified in the rental agreement.

If a landlord fails to return the security deposit within the stipulated period of 21 days from the date of termination of the tenancy or as specified in the rental agreement, the tenant may pursue several courses of action, like.

  • The tenant has the right to formally remind the landlord in writing, requesting the return of the deposit. 

  • If the landlord continues to neglect their obligation, the tenant may escalate the matter by contacting the civil court after serving the owner with a legal notice. 

  • The landlord may be charged with criminal cheating if none of these remedies prove effective.

I would suggest you contact a highly experienced lawyer. I hope you understand what if my landlord doesn't return my deposit in 21 days.

Contact Legal Experts at NoBroker and Get Your Property-Related Issues Resolved Immediately. Also read

Where to File Complaint Against Landlord in India

Conflicts between landlords and tenants over security deposits can get ugly, if there is no legal involvement. I have seen one such case myself. So, I can tell you what happens if landlord does not return deposit within 21 days. The tenant can sue the landlord legally in some cases.

What Happens If Landlord Doesn t Return Deposit in 30 Days?

After the lease expires, landlords are required to return the security deposit. If the security deposit isn't returned to the tenants within the allotted time, they can sue the landlord legally. The landlord may be charged with cheating in a criminal capacity. In addition, if the security deposit reimbursement is rejected, a police report may be made. Tenants in India have the following options if the owner does not repay the security deposit:
  1. Request the return of the security deposit from the owner by sending a formal notice.
  2. Consult a civil attorney and consult the Model Tenancy Act for additional information. If the rules suggested in the act have been breached, a court case to resolve the injustice can ensue.
  3. Gather any required documents, including the lease, the security deposit receipt, and any evidence of damage to the rented property.
  4. As an alternative, the parties may choose to settle their differences through arbitration, out-of-court settlement, reconciliation, and other ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) techniques.
But not every disagreement needs to result in a civil lawsuit. Having a cordial, honest conversation and voicing complaints can frequently assist in resolving issues. To resolve disputes, parties may choose to use a mediator or just obtain legal advice from a nearby attorney. This is what happens if landlord does not return deposit within 21 days. Consult the Legal Experts of NoBroker for Your Property-Related Legal Queries Resolved. Read More: When do you return security deposit amount?