Can the tenant pay the last month's rent with the security deposit?

Verified 09 June 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

No, the tenant must pay the full rent and charges to the landlord (or real estate agency) on the agreed date, until the end of the lease. It is forbidden to deduct the amount of the security deposit, it's illegal.

Consequently, if the tenant deducts the amount of the security deposit from the last rent:

  • The owner (or real estate agency) does not issue rent receipt. Note that the rent receipt is essential to receive a housing assistance.
  • The owner (or real estate agency) can, without recourse to the judge, make a preservation the amount due to him on the bank account of the tenant.
  • The landlord (or real estate agency) can also ask the judge to order the tenant to pay him the unpaid rent and damages and interest. For this, he must seize the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.

FYI  

The security deposit is used to cover any default by the tenant (such as, for example, the lack of maintenance of the dwelling or rental repair not done). It must in principle be returned by the owner (or real estate agency) to the tenant after the end of the lease, and within a certain period.

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