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Earnest (Holding) Deposit

A pre-lease payment used to reserve a rental under written conditions. Its purpose, refundability, application to rent or deposits, and permitted amount depend on the agreement and local rules.

At a round table in an empty rental, a landlord and an applicant look at an envelope, a blank receipt and a pen
  1. A deposit holds the rental
  2. Give a written receipt
  3. Say when it is refunded

Where it matters

Look up the term in your agreement, report or local rule. Save the source and date so you can check the wording later.

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This page is general education. The current law, program rules, and specific housing records determine how a rental home is treated. Rentari provides software and written guides, not legal advice or licensed property management.

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