The tool organizes the facts that usually need to be identified before a state-specific deadline, deduction or itemization question can be reviewed. It does not determine that a landlord missed a deadline or made an unlawful deduction.
Deposit rules differ by state, and the relevant timeline may depend on move-out, possession return, lease termination, a forwarding address or another event. This audit organizes the facts before the state calculation.
Diagnostic workflow only. The audit identifies missing records and timing inputs; it does not determine whether a deposit deduction is lawful or a state deadline has been violated.
Why dates come before the deadline calculator
State rules can use different trigger events and conditions. Before calculating a deadline, preserve the tenancy-end date, move-out date, possession or key-return date and other timeline facts shown by your records. The calculator should apply a verified state rule to an identified trigger, not guess which date matters.
Itemization and refund math are different checks
A statement can list deductions while the final deposit math still fails to reconcile, or the math can add up while a deduction remains unsupported. Keep the accounting question separate from the evidence behind each deduction.
Why the state source comes after the facts
All 50 states have verified RentBillCheck source layers, but the details can involve different deadlines, itemization standards, forwarding-address conditions, inspection procedures, local coverage or other exceptions. The audit helps you identify which factual inputs are ready before you apply that state layer.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Security Deposit Audit check?
It checks five review layers: key move-out dates, forwarding or mailing address records, the deposit accounting or itemization, deposit/refund math and evidence supporting major deductions.
Does the audit calculate my legal deadline?
No. It organizes the facts needed before using the state-aware deadline calculator. The relevant trigger and exceptions differ by state.
Does a missing itemization prove the landlord violated the law?
No. A missing document is a review gap. Its legal significance depends on the property-state rule, timing, delivery method and other facts.
What if only part of my deposit was returned?
Reconcile the original deposit, every deduction, the refund and any additional balance. Then review the major deductions and the property-state source separately.
Why does the audit ask about a forwarding address?
Some state procedures attach significance to a forwarding or mailing address. The audit does not assume the address changes every deadline; it tells you to preserve the record and check the exact state source.