The situation: A foreign tenant ends their lease and returns the flat; the landlord claims excessive damages to prevent recovery of the deposit (usually one or two months' rent).
Applicable law: Articles 703 et seq. of the Civil Code (2021) require the landlord to return the deposit in full; they may only deduct actually proven serious damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must provide receipts.
Typical outcome: Filing a complaint with 12345 (government hotline) or a rental dispute settlement centre, or bringing a small claim in court; the landlord is usually ordered to return all or most of the deposit.
📜 Civil Code (general rules) · Awareness case
Rental Deposit — When the Landlord Refuses to Return the Deposit · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典 / Civil Code 2021, Articles 703-734
The lease ended and you handed back the flat, but the landlord claims damages and withholds the entire deposit. What does Chinese law say?
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: Photograph the entire flat on the day you move in and on the day you hand it back. Keep all rent payment receipts and correspondence with the landlord. These documents are your main asset in any dispute.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026