noun phrase · neutral
security deposit
UK/sɪˈkjʊərəti dɪˈpɒzɪt/US/sɪˈkjʊrəti dɪˈpɑːzɪt/se·CUR·i·ty de·POZ·it
a sum of money paid by a tenant to a landlord at the start of a tenancy as security against damage or unpaid rent
Examples
“The landlord held the security deposit until the flat was inspected.”
“You should get your security deposit back if you leave the property in good condition.”
“Make sure the amount and conditions for returning the security deposit are in the contract.”
Band 8 sentence
“The tenancy agreement clearly states the conditions under which the security deposit will be withheld or refunded.”
Collocations
- return the security deposit
- hold a security deposit
Word family
Common mistakes
security money→security deposit
deposit of security→security deposit
Say it for a higher band
5deposit→6security money→7+security deposit
Synonyms
damage deposit
Easily confused
damage deposit
“The tenant paid a damage deposit which would be returned if there were no repairs needed.”
Related words
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In Hometown & Housing
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