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

While the card requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 (depending on your credit history and other factors), your starting credit limit will always be at least $200. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Most rental suppliers require one for the security deposit, and credit card companies offer dispute resolution protections that apply regardless of how a booking was made. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Some hadn’t found a new job yet, and had no credit history or money for two months’ down payment and a security deposit. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Chris Pine wants his security deposit and first month’s rent back on a rental that didn’t work out, though the rental in question cost nearly $70,000 a month. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 14 July 2026

Rhymes for security deposit

• closet
• posit
• composite
• nanocomposite
• oviposit

Legal Definition

security deposit

noun

: money provided by a tenant to a landlord to secure performance of a rental agreement or compensate for possible loss or damage