The situation: A foreign tenant leaves the flat at the end of the lease, and the landlord refuses to return the deposit citing general 'damage' without specifics or proof, while there was no record of the flat's condition at move-in.
Applicable law: The Civil Code governs lease contracts and binds both parties to what they agreed, allowing mediation or the courts to recover sums owed when one side breaches.
Typical outcome: With a written contract, photos and receipts, the matter tends toward full return of the deposit or deduction of genuine damage only; without evidence the tenant struggles to recover the money.
🏠 Housing & rent · Awareness case
A Deposit Comes Back with Contracts, Not Words · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典（合同编·租赁合同）/ Civil Code (Contracts — Lease)
How do you protect your rental deposit against a vague claim of 'damage'?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Protect yourself from the start with a clear written lease, take photos and video of the flat's condition on move-in day, and keep the deposit payment receipts. In a dispute, rely on the contract and demand the damage be specified and proven, then use mediation or the relevant authorities. Evidence, not arguing, is what gets your money back.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026