Yes! You finally open the door to your new apartment. The walls are white, the carpets are clean and all of the appliances are in great shape. Unless the tenants before you were Mr. Clean and Sherman Williams, you most likely have a security deposit to thank.

In general, an apartment’s security deposit serves as security against unpaid rent and damages, which includes cleaning.

“We don’t take out for what we think is normal wear and tear,” said Kurt Bulicek, senior leasing agent for Roland Reality, “We take out more for outstanding balances, carpet cleaning, holes in walls, and dirty appliances to name a few.”

On campus, the cost of security deposits vary.

“There is no law on how much a security deposit can cost,” said Esther Patt, the coordinator for the Tenant Union. “On campus, the average amount of a deposit is about equal to the cost of one months rent.”

Angela Ingrassia, senior in Media, said she understands why apartments have security deposits.

“But as far as the amount, I think it’s slightly outrageous,” she said.

If there are any damages to the apartment, landlords take money from the security deposit, Patt said.

“Your liability is not limited to the amount of your deposit,” she added.

Bulicek said he has never had an issue with students contesting against the security deposit procedure.

“It’s a pretty standard procedure and it’s a good thing from our standpoint,” Bulicek said. “The deposit also provides an incentive, to keep the place clean and in good shape.”

When a lease is up, the tenant usually gets a portion of the security deposit back. Ingrassia said she received $566 of her $608 deposit back. However, some students are finding that landlords are taking what seems to be more from the deposit than expected.