EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Guangzhou apartment. Empty. Te...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
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Holding the entire deposit for three months to cover utility bills is unreasonable.
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Deducting more than the actual utility costs from the deposit is illegal.
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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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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!"
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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
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Landlord withholding the entire deposit for an extended period (three months) to cover utility bills.
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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
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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!"
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Comment
张明远 / Mingyuan Zhang
2026-03-28 15:20
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Chaoyang apartment. Keys retur...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
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Unjustified blocking of communication by the agent.
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Failure to return the deposit without providing a valid reason or itemized deduction list.
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Disappearance of the agency suggests potential breach of contract and possibly fraudulent behavior.
Legal Advice：Given that you have the original contract and deposit fapiao, your chances of recovering the deposit are high. First, attempt to formally report the agency's business license irregularities to the relevant Administration for Market Regulation. Simultaneously, prepare a formal demand letter to the agency (even if undeliverable due to blocked communication). Then, file a lawsuit at the People's Court in Chaoyang for breach of contract and deposit return. Consider reporting the agency's actions to the police as potential fraud.
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qi.zhi@live.de
2026-03-28 15:20
I was renting through a mid-sized agency in Chaoyang. Everything was fine until the day I handed over the keys. Now, my agent has blocked me on WeChat, and the office phone just goes to a recorded message. They owe me 1.5 months of deposit (12,000 RMB). I have the original paper contract and the fapiao for the deposit. Should I go straight to the police station (Paichusuo), or is there a way to report their business license?
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李清波 / Qingbo Li
2026-03-28 15:19
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | Empty Jing'an apartment. LANDL...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
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Landlord is attempting to charge for normal wear and tear.
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Using the deposit for full renovation exceeding reasonable repair costs.
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The landlord didn't provide sufficient evidence on damage cost
Legal Advice：According to Article 714 of the Civil Code, tenants are not liable for normal wear and tear. Gather evidence (photos, videos) to dispute the deductions. Negotiate with the landlord, and if necessary, file a small claim in Shanghai.
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租房卫士官方 / RG Official
2026-03-28 15:19
I’ve lived in this Jing’an apartment for two years and always paid rent on time. I just moved out, and the landlord is refusing to return my 8,000 RMB deposit. Why? He claims the 'wallpaper looks old' and there are 'marks on the floor' from my desk chair. These are clearly natural wear and tear after 24 months! He’s threatening to use the entire deposit to 'renovate' the whole room for the next tenant. Has anyone successfully used the Civil Code to fight this?
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李清波 / Qingbo Li
2026-03-28 15:19
AI Analysis Report
Win Probability：High
EVIDENCE SIMULATION | INT. JING'AN APARTMENT - DAY. ...RentGuardian AI
Invalid Deduction Points
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Claiming natural wear and tear as damage.
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Attempting to use the deposit for full renovation.
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Failing to provide evidence of damage beyond normal use.
Legal Advice：According to Article 714 of the Civil Code, tenants are not responsible for natural wear and tear. The landlord must prove the damage exceeds normal use. Gather evidence (photos, videos) to support your claim. Consider mediation or small claims court if the landlord remains uncooperative.
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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
租房卫士官方 / RG Official
2026-03-28 15:19
I’ve lived in this Jing’an apartment for two years and always paid rent on time. I just moved out, and the landlord is refusing to return my 8,000 RMB deposit. Why? He claims the 'wallpaper looks old' and there are 'marks on the floor' from my desk chair. These are clearly natural wear and tear after 24 months! He’s threatening to use the entire deposit to 'renovate' the whole room for the next tenant. Has anyone successfully used the Civil Code to fight this?
