Why You Can Lose Your Deposit (And How To Make Sure You Don’t)
/Your no-fluff guide to getting every cent back without becoming “that tenant.”
Avoid losing your deposit with these smart renter tips—because moving out stress-free is just as important as moving in!
Let’s get one thing straight:
Getting your deposit back shouldn’t feel like winning the lottery.
But for a lot of Erasmus students, it does—because landlords love to hang onto money when you give them a reason.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to avoid the mistakes that scream:
“This person’s a hassle. Let’s hold some of their money ‘just in case.’”
So let’s break down exactly why deposits get withheld—and how to keep yours safe from the moment you move in until the final walk-through. No legal jargon. No unrealistic tips. Just smart moves that work.
💡 First: Know the Game You're Playing
Let’s kill a myth right now:
Most landlords don’t want to keep your deposit. It’s extra admin, extra tension, and a guaranteed 1-star review in the making.
But they will keep it if:
You leave damages
You don’t return the place in good shape
You disappear without paying final utility bills
You’re rude, irresponsible, or impossible to reach
And sometimes, even if you did everything right…
You’re still stuck waiting up to 60 days for that deposit.
Why?
Because utility bills in Greece can take weeks to arrive after your lease ends—and most landlords wait to see if you ran the AC all day with the windows open before sending that deposit back.
✅ Tip #1: Walk In Like a Pro (Document Everything)
The second you walk into your new place, pull out your phone and take a full video.
Go room by room and narrate it like a documentary:
“This is the kitchen—stove has a little rust on the corner. Fridge is clean, no dents. This light doesn’t turn on.”
Don’t just take photos—a 2-minute video will save you hours of arguing later.
Example:
If you notice small scratches on the wall behind your bed when you move in, get it on video.
Six months later, if someone tries to pin that on you—boom—you’ve got receipts.
✅ Tip #2: Understand the Timeline (And Stop Asking on Day 3)
Here’s the reality:
Most deposits take 30 to 60 days to be returned. Why?
Because landlords wait for:
The final water bill
The final electric bill
The final building charges (if shared)
These aren’t issued immediately after you leave. Sometimes they take up to 8 weeks, especially if your stay ends mid-billing cycle.
What to do instead:
Before you move out, ask your landlord:
“Can you tell me approximately when the last utility bills are expected, so I can track when the deposit might be ready?”
This shows maturity. You’re on the ball, but not annoying.
✅ Tip #3: Don’t Trash the Place (Even If You’re in a Hurry)
Leaving in a rush? That’s fine.
Leaving a pizza box under the bed and hair in the shower drain? Not fine.
You’d be shocked at how many tenants do this. It instantly shifts your landlord from neutral to irritated.
Example:
If a cleaner is hired after you leave and they report “excessive dirt” or “leftover trash,” the landlord may deduct cleaning fees from your deposit. Not because they’re evil—because someone had to deal with your mess.
Pro move:
Take 10 minutes to tidy before you leave.
Empty all trash
Wipe down surfaces
Take photos before you lock up
This simple habit saves you a ton of grief.
✅ Tip #4: Be Chill, Not Clueless (Tone Matters)
There’s a fine line between “confident” and “entitled.”
Don’t cross it—especially via text or email.
If you send this:
“I moved out 10 days ago and STILL haven’t seen my money. This is unacceptable.”
You’ve just guaranteed two things:
You’re marked as difficult
Your deposit will be returned on Day 60, not Day 30
What to say instead:
“Hi! Just checking in to see if the final bills have arrived yet. I’m happy to wait the full 60 days, just keeping an eye on my timeline. Thanks!”
See the difference? You stay on their radar without triggering their defenses.
✅ Tip #5: Don’t Ghost (Stay Reachable)
When landlords can’t reach you, they assume the worst.
If your phone number changes, your bank account info was wrong, or you ignore follow-up messages—you just gave them an excuse to keep your cash “for admin time.”
Example:
Landlord texts you:
“Hi, we received your final water bill and need your IBAN to process the deposit.”
You reply 3 weeks later with:
“Sorry, just saw this.”
Yeah… you’re not getting that deposit anytime soon.
Set a calendar reminder for 30 days post-move-out to check in if needed.
✅ Tip #6: Clarify the Terms Before You Sign
Not all deposits are created equal.
Some landlords include clauses that let them deduct for repainting, deep cleaning, or even “wear and tear.”
Example clause:
“Tenant agrees to cover the cost of professional cleaning upon departure.”
This doesn’t mean they’re scamming you—it means you didn’t read the fine print.
Ask before signing:
“Is cleaning included in the deposit return, or is that handled separately?”
This one question can save you €100+ later.
✅ Tip #7: Be the Tenant They Brag About
Want your landlord to remember you in a good way?
Pay rent on time
Report issues politely and early
Treat the place like it’s yours
Say thank you when they help
Example:
You leave the apartment spotless, return the keys early, and send a message like:
“Thanks for everything. This was a great place to stay—let me know if you need anything from me regarding the deposit.”
Guess who gets their deposit faster?
You.
Final Words
At roomsAthens, we’ve helped hundreds of Erasmus students navigate housing in Athens since 2015.
And trust us: The ones who follow the steps above? They always get their deposit back.
The ones who don’t?
Well… they learn the hard way.
If this post helped you feel more prepared, that’s exactly why we wrote it.
If you’re still looking for your Erasmus housing in Athens, we’ve got furnished places that don’t just feel like a room—they feel like home.
No fees. No funny business. Just move-in ready spaces where you can focus on your studies, your new friends, and your new city, not your landlord.
Let’s make this experience a good one. Starting now.