NZ — Itemize deposit deductions and check the return deadline. Add each deduction to see the refundable balance and the statutory refund date for your jurisdiction.
Security Deposit Calculator
Itemize deductions, see the refundable amount, and get your state’s return deadline.
How the security deposit calculator works
Returning a security deposit means two things: doing the math correctly and meeting the deadline. Enter your state, the deposit amount you hold, and the move-out date, then add one row per deduction with a short description and the dollar amount — unpaid rent, damage repairs, cleaning, and similar. The calculator totals the deductions, shows exactly how much is refundable to the tenant (or how much the tenant still owes if deductions exceed the deposit), and computes the date by which your state requires the refund or itemized statement to be sent.
Missing a deposit deadline is expensive in many states â some allow the tenant to recover double or triple the deposit when the landlord misses the window or fails to itemize. That is why the result cites your state’s return period and its source, and flags quirks like deadlines that run from the forwarding address instead of move-out. Print the itemized summary for your records and for the tenant, and when you need the formal version, the Letter Builder’s deposit itemization template turns the same numbers into a proper letter.
Calculate the deposit refund
Result
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool cover the whole of New Zealand?
Yes. Select your country — New Zealand are all included. Every result cites the rule and its source for the country you selected, and entries based on limited research are labeled so you know to verify locally.
What can I deduct from a security deposit?
Typically: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs needed to restore the unit — depending on your state and lease. You generally cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Itemize every deduction with a description and amount.
What happens if deductions exceed the deposit?
The refundable amount becomes $0 and the calculator shows the remaining balance as an amount the tenant still owes. You would typically bill the tenant for that balance separately.
How is the return deadline calculated?
From the move-out date plus your state’s statutory return period (calendar days unless the rule says otherwise). Some states start the clock when you receive the tenant’s forwarding address â check the quirk note shown with your result.
Can I print the itemized summary?
Yes. Use the Print button on the result to produce a clean itemized summary you can send with the refund. For a formal letter, our deposit itemization template in the Letter Builder cites your state’s deadline inside the letter.
Is this legal advice?
No. Deposit rules — allowable deductions, deadlines, and penalties for missing them — vary by state and change over time. Verify against current law or consult a local attorney.