Security deposits are one common requirement in most place of residence rental.  These security deposits are used to give a landlord some protection for damage to the rented premises or some other failure of the tenant.  A security deposit should not be confused with an application fee or some other type of fee, such as advanced rent or pet deposit.  You are legally entitled to the entire amount of the security deposit when you leave, unless there are damages.  However this is different from “normal wear and tear”.  If the landlord refuses to give you the security deposit back, you may sue the landlord yourself in a small claims court or get a real estate lawyer to take your court case.