Security Deposit Refund – Transparent and Fair Process at WHITE APARTMENTS
An Emotional Moment for Tenants
The refund of the security deposit is often one of the most emotional moments at the end of a rental. Many tenants feel anxious – “Will I get my deposit back?”
This fear is understandable, as many have had bad experiences in the past with delays, unclear deductions, or no updates at all.
At WHITE APARTMENTS, we handle this process differently: transparent, structured, and fair.
Step 1: Inspection Report at Move-In
At the beginning of every tenancy, we create a detailed move-in inspection report, documenting all existing damages or irregularities – complete with photos.
Tenants then have a few extra days to report any overlooked issues, which we add to the official record.
Every apartment is professionally cleaned and checked before move-in:
- Filters in extractor hoods, dishwashers, and washing machines are serviced
- Bathroom sealants and mattress conditions are checked
- The entire unit is deep cleaned
Each tenant also receives care instructions to help maintain the apartment properly.
Step 2: Preparing for Move-Out
About two weeks before move-out, tenants receive a checklist and instructions to ensure a smooth handover:
- Replace damaged or missing linens (e.g. towels, bedsheets)
- Professionally clean sofas or mattresses if needed
- Remove all personal belongings
If the tenant doesn’t have time to manage this, we take care of it – with the corresponding costs deducted from the deposit.
The easiest way to get your full deposit back is to follow our instructions carefully and book a professional cleaning company.
We also offer a pre-inspection appointment to review everything together before you move out.
Step 3: Legal Framework and Timelines
German law grants landlords up to six months to return the security deposit after the tenancy ends (§548 BGB).
At WHITE APARTMENTS, it usually takes much less time – on average around six weeks, often faster.
If no damage is found, the apartment is simply deep-cleaned, and the cleaning invoice is settled before refunding the deposit from the separate trust account.
If repairs are required – e.g. stained walls from pets, damaged furniture or flooring – a contractor quote must be obtained first.
In disputed cases, an independent expert may be involved to ensure legal accuracy.
Step 4: Transparent Refund
All deposits are stored on separate trust accounts.
Once cleaning and any necessary repairs are complete, we issue a clear and detailed breakdown and transfer the remaining balance to the tenant.
This guarantees full transparency and fairness for both sides.
Our Promise – Trust and Professionalism
We understand that a deposit refund involves more than just money – it’s about trust and peace of mind.
That’s why our entire process is built around clarity, fairness, and professionalism.
Our cleaning partners are certified professionals, not unqualified freelancers from online platforms.
As of 2025, end-of-tenancy cleaning is billed at €40/hour + VAT, with a minimum duration of three hours.
Conclusion: A Fair System You Can Rely On
At WHITE APARTMENTS, the deposit refund process is transparent, efficient, and trustworthy.
Whether in Berlin, Frankfurt, Prague, Vienna, Leipzig, Hamburg, or Munich, tenants can feel confident knowing that every step is documented, fair, and handled with care.
