EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Dim Guangzhou apartment. Landl...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
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Holding the entire deposit for an extended period to cover utility bills is unreasonable.
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Deducting more than the actual utility costs is not permissible.
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The landlord should provide itemized bills and promptly return the remaining deposit.
Legal Advice：The landlord's practice of holding the entire deposit for three months to cover potentially small utility bills is likely a violation of housing regulations. You have the right to demand an itemized bill and the return of the remaining deposit. If the landlord refuses, you can pursue legal action through small claims court. Gather evidence of previous utility bills and your lease agreement to support your claim.
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qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-29 04:25
My landlord in Guangzhou is trying to pull a fast one. My deposit was 5,000 RMB. He’s telling me that even though I moved out, he needs to keep the entire deposit for 'three months' to wait for the final electricity and water bills to arrive. He says if there’s anything left after he pays the bills, he might send it back. I know my monthly utilities are never more than 300 RMB. This feels like a blatant excuse to hold my money hostage until I leave the country. Help!"
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李清波 / Qingbo Li
2026-03-28 15:22
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Empty apartment. Final suitcas...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
!
Landlord delaying deposit return based on 'bad market' is not a legally valid reason.
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Landlord is obligated to return the deposit within a reasonable timeframe after the lease ends, regardless of whether a new tenant has been found.
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The landlord cannot make the return of the deposit conditional on finding a new tenant.
Legal Advice：The landlord's reason for withholding the deposit is not legally justified under Chinese law. Send a formal legal demand letter stating the owed amount and a deadline for repayment. Mention intent to pursue legal action if the deposit is not returned by the deadline. The '12345' hotline may provide some assistance, but a formal legal letter from a lawyer will carry more weight.
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李清波 / Qingbo Li上海 / Shanghai
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qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-28 15:22
My landlord is simply saying 'the market is bad' and he doesn't have the cash to pay back my 6,500 RMB deposit right now. He told me to wait until he finds a new tenant. It's been a month, the apartment is still empty, and I’m moving to a new city next week. I can't wait indefinitely. Does the '12345' hotline actually work for foreigners in this situation? I need a legal demand letter to show I’m serious.
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李清波 / Qingbo Li
2026-03-28 15:22
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Empty apartment. Tenant’s suit...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
!
The landlord cannot withhold the deposit due to 'bad market' conditions.
!
The landlord is obligated to return the deposit within a reasonable timeframe after the lease ends, regardless of whether a new tenant has been found.
!
Requiring the tenant to wait indefinitely for a new tenant to be found is not a valid reason for withholding the deposit.
Legal Advice：The landlord's reason for withholding the deposit is invalid under Chinese law. You are entitled to the return of your full deposit. Sending a formal legal demand letter is a good first step. If the landlord still refuses to pay, consider filing a small claims lawsuit. Document all communication and evidence related to the lease and deposit.
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李清波 / Qingbo Li上海 / Shanghai
盈科律师事务所 / Yingke Law Firm
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Comment
Consult Now
qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-28 15:22
My landlord is simply saying 'the market is bad' and he doesn't have the cash to pay back my 6,500 RMB deposit right now. He told me to wait until he finds a new tenant. It's been a month, the apartment is still empty, and I’m moving to a new city next week. I can't wait indefinitely. Does the '12345' hotline actually work for foreigners in this situation? I need a legal demand letter to show I’m serious.
Support
Comment
王芳 / Fang Wang
2026-03-28 15:21
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Guangzhou apartment. Empty. Te...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
!
Holding the entire deposit for three months to cover utility bills is unreasonable.
!
Deducting more than the actual utility costs from the deposit is illegal.
!
Landlord has the responsibility to provide documentation of utility charges.
Legal Advice：The landlord's justification for withholding the entire deposit for three months is likely unlawful. According to Civil Code and housing leasing regulations, the deposit can only be used to cover legitimate expenses, and the landlord must provide evidence of these expenses. Request detailed utility bills and demand the return of the remaining deposit promptly. If the landlord refuses, consider legal action through small claims court.
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王芳 / Fang Wang深圳 / Shenzhen
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qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-28 15:21
My landlord in Guangzhou is trying to pull a fast one. My deposit was 5,000 RMB. He’s telling me that even though I moved out, he needs to keep the entire deposit for 'three months' to wait for the final electricity and water bills to arrive. He says if there’s anything left after he pays the bills, he might send it back. I know my monthly utilities are never more than 300 RMB. This feels like a blatant excuse to hold my money hostage until I leave the country. Help!"
Support
Comment
李清波 / Qingbo Li
2026-03-28 15:21
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Shadowed face, Guangzhou alley...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
!
Landlord withholding the entire deposit for an extended period (three months) to cover utility bills.
!
Utilities usually not exceeding 300 RMB, suggesting the held amount is disproportionately high.
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Potential violation of good faith principle if landlord's actions are intended to unjustly retain the deposit.
Legal Advice：The landlord's justification for withholding the entire deposit seems unreasonable. According to Chinese law, only reasonable and actual expenses can be deducted from the deposit. The tenant should communicate with the landlord, demanding a detailed breakdown of the estimated utility costs and requesting the return of the remaining deposit. If the landlord refuses, consider mediation or filing a small claim.
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李清波 / Qingbo Li上海 / Shanghai
盈科律师事务所 / Yingke Law Firm
民法典专家 / Civil Code Expert
Support
Comment
Consult Now
qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-28 15:21
My landlord in Guangzhou is trying to pull a fast one. My deposit was 5,000 RMB. He’s telling me that even though I moved out, he needs to keep the entire deposit for 'three months' to wait for the final electricity and water bills to arrive. He says if there’s anything left after he pays the bills, he might send it back. I know my monthly utilities are never more than 300 RMB. This feels like a blatant excuse to hold my money hostage until I leave the country. Help!"
