security deposit
noun
: an amount of money that a renter pays when beginning to rent property (such as an apartment) and that can be used to pay for any damage that the renter causes to the property
Examples of security deposit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is primarily because secured credit cards are backed by collateral — that initial security deposit — which the issuer can seize if payments are not made.
—
Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 25 Feb. 2026
At the end of the lease, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit, which should include a list of damages for which any portion of the deposit is kept.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026
The Housing and Revitalization Department is also providing support for move-in costs, such as security deposit and first month rent for eligible households.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
South County Community Services helped her sign up for housing assistance and pay for her first month’s rent and security deposit.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for security deposit
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Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 25 Feb. 2026
At the end of the lease, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit, which should include a list of damages for which any portion of the deposit is kept.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026
The Housing and Revitalization Department is also providing support for move-in costs, such as security deposit and first month rent for eligible households.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
South County Community Services helped her sign up for housing assistance and pay for her first month’s rent and security deposit.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for security deposit
Cite this Entry
“Security deposit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/security%20deposit. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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