Landlord not returning my deposit after I moved out

What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).

Your situation

Rent payment records for the whole stay
Answers claims of unpaid rent. Where: Bank statement, receipts.
Proof of handing back the keys and the date
Fixes when the deposit became due. Where: Messages, handover note, photo of keys handed over.
Your notice to vacate
Short notice is a common reason for deductions. Where: Messages or letter.
The messages in which the deposit was refused or deductions claimed
Shows the reason and its date. Where: WhatsApp, SMS, email.
Landlord's and tenant's full names and addresses
Needed for any notice or complaint. Where: Agreement, ID copies, police verification form.

Rent agreement (all pages) — Usually states the deposit, notice period and deductions.
Any messages or receipts that mention the deposit amount — Without an agreement, messages and receipts prove what was agreed.
Proof of paying the deposit — The central fact of the claim.
Cash receipt, acknowledgement message, or names of witnesses — Cash is harder to prove; any written acknowledgement helps.
Photos or videos of the home's condition — The main evidence on damage claims.
Final electricity, water and maintenance bills and meter readings — Answers claims of unpaid bills.
Your written demand and any reply — Fixes the date of demand.

Rent laws differ by state. Some states follow the Model Tenancy Act approach, including caps on deposits.

General information, not legal advice.