Rental deposits in Jordan: getting your deposit back

General information only, not legal, tax or government advice, and no lawyer-client relationship. Laws, fees and procedures change: before you rely on anything here, check the current rule, fee or price with a licensed Jordanian lawyer and the relevant government office (such as the Department of Lands and Survey or the municipality).

The short answer

A refundable deposit (تأمين مسترد) is money the tenant pays at the start to cover unpaid bills or damage, returned at the end. We did not find a fixed deposit amount or refund deadline in the Landlords and Tenants Law², so the lease usually sets both. A landlord can generally deduct for damage caused by the tenant’s fault or misuse, not for normal wear¹.

How deposits usually work

The amount, what it covers and when it is returned are set in the lease.
It is common to hold it against final utility bills, the service fee and damage.
It is not the last month’s rent unless the lease says so.

What may be deducted

Damage caused by the tenant’s fault or misuse¹.
Unpaid bills or fees the tenant agreed to pay.
Not normal wear from ordinary use, such as faded paint after years of living¹.

How to get it back

On move-in, photograph every room and the meters, and list existing faults in writing signed by both.
Before you leave, pay final bills and keep the receipts.
Hand back the keys with a written handover, and ask for the refund date in writing.
If the landlord refuses without reason, a lawyer can advise on the next step.

Renting without a deposit

Some owners accept no deposit, often in exchange for post-dated cheques, a guarantor or a higher rent. Hagzi listings do not yet have a deposit field, so ask the owner. Without a deposit, the written move-in record matters even more.

How people usually think about it

Many tenants treat the deposit as the last month’s rent. Unless the lease says so, the landlord may see that as non-payment.
Many landlords keep the deposit for repainting or normal wear. Normal wear is generally not the tenant’s liability¹.

Common misunderstandings

“The law fixes the deposit at one month.” We did not find a fixed amount in the Landlords and Tenants Law²; the lease sets it.
“The landlord can keep the deposit for any wear.” The tenant answers for damage from fault or misuse, not normal wear¹.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a normal rental deposit in Amman?

We found no fixed legal amount; it varies by owner and is set in the lease. Agree it before you sign.

When must the landlord return the deposit?

When the lease says. If it is silent, agree a date in writing at handover.

Can I rent an apartment in Amman without a deposit?

Some owners accept it, often with post-dated cheques or a guarantor. Ask the owner; Hagzi has no deposit filter yet.

What if the landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?

Ask in writing for the reasons and the costs. If you cannot agree, a lawyer can advise whether to claim it.

Sources

Civil Code No. 43 of 1976, article 692 (tenant’s liability for damage) (Legislation and Opinion Bureau) (checked 31 October 2026)
Landlords and Tenants Law No. 11 of 1994 as amended (Legislation and Opinion Bureau) (checked 31 October 2026)

This page was last reviewed on 31 October 2026.