Security Deposits

A security deposit is the tenant's money you're safekeeping, not income you've earned. Rental Command tracks deposits on a dedicated Deposits page, kept separate from rent on the Accounting page, so you never confuse the two.

Why it's its own page

Rent and other payments are income and live in Accounting. A deposit is held in trust until the lease ends — it's the tenant's money. This page only tracks what you're holding and what eventually gets deducted or returned.

Record a deposit you're holding

1. Open Deposits and click New Holding.
2. Pick the lease. If you leave the amount blank, it defaults to the security deposit set on that lease.
3. Add a note if you like, then Create Holding.

The list shows each holding's amount, status (Held, Partially Returned, or Returned), and how long it's been held.

Add a deduction

When you need to keep part of the deposit (damage, cleaning, unpaid rent):

1. Click Add Deduction on the holding.
2. Enter a reason (e.g. "Carpet cleaning") and an amount, plus optional notes.
3. Save. Deductions reduce what you'll return.

Return the deposit

When the tenant moves out:

1. Click Return on a held deposit.
2. Confirm the net refund — the original deposit minus all deductions.

The holding is marked returned, and the math (deposit, total deductions, net refund) is shown for your records.