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The security deposit is the most common source of landlord-tenant disputes in the Philippines. It is also the part of the rental process that most renters understand the least. You hand over one or two months’ rent on move-in day, it sits with the landlord for the duration of your tenancy, and at move-out you either get it back or you do not. Whether you get it back — and how much — depends almost entirely on what you did and documented before, during, and after the tenancy.

This article covers everything a Makati renter needs to know about security deposits in 2026: how much landlords can charge, what they are legally allowed to deduct, when the deposit must be returned, and exactly what to do if your landlord refuses to give it back. It also covers the single most powerful protection available to any renter — one that costs nothing and takes 30 minutes on move-in day.

Whether you are signing your first Makati lease or trying to recover a deposit from a landlord who has gone silent, this guide gives you the information and the process to handle it correctly.

The single most important thing in this article: photograph every room, wall, floor, and appliance on move-in day and share the photos to your landlord via Messenger on the same day. This one action — 30 minutes of work — protects your entire security deposit against unjustified deductions at move-out.

What This Guide Covers

1. Security Deposit Rules in the Philippines: The Quick Reference
2. How Much Deposit Can a Makati Landlord Charge?
3. What Is the Deposit Actually For? The Legal Purpose
4. What Landlords Can Legitimately Deduct
5. What Landlords Cannot Deduct: Normal Wear and Tear Explained
6. The Move-In Documentation System That Protects Your Deposit
7. The Deposit Return Process: What Should Happen After You Move Out
8. What to Do When Your Landlord Won’t Return the Deposit
9. The Barangay Mediation Process for Deposit Disputes
10. Small Claims Court: The Last Resort That Actually Works
11. MakatiApartments.com: The Transparent Deposit Standard
12. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Security Deposit Rules in the Philippines: The Quick Reference

Here is every key rule about security deposits in Philippine residential rentals — in one table. Use this as your reference before signing any lease.

The most important row in this table is the last one under ‘Your best protection.’ The entire framework of deposit law in the Philippines — what can be deducted, what cannot, how disputes are resolved — hinges on documentation. A landlord who claims damage at move-out can only prevail if they can show the damage exists and was caused by the tenant. A tenant who has timestamped, Messenger-shared photos of the unit’s condition on move-in day is extraordinarily difficult to charge for pre-existing or fabricated damage.

2. How Much Deposit Can a Makati Landlord Charge?

Philippine law does not impose a maximum security deposit amount for residential rentals above the Rent Control Act threshold. In practice, the Makati market operates on a consistent standard that most professional landlords follow.

The Market Standard in 2026

The de facto standard for Makati residential rentals in 2026 is one to two months’ rent as security deposit, plus one month’s rent as advance. Some landlords require only one month deposit; others require two. Three or more months is above market standard and uncommon in professionally managed properties. If a landlord requests three or more months of deposit, it is a legitimate negotiating point — not a take-it-or-leave-it requirement.

Negotiating Deposit Amount

Security deposit amounts are more negotiable than monthly rent at most Makati properties. A long-term tenant committing to a 12-month lease has leverage to request a one-month deposit rather than two. A tenant with documented references from a previous reputable landlord in Makati is lower-risk in the eyes of a new landlord and can reasonably make the same request. The negotiation works best at the inquiry or viewing stage — not at the signing table.

Advance Rent vs. Security Deposit: The Difference

These are distinct payments that Makati renters frequently confuse. The security deposit is held as protection against damage and unpaid rent. The advance rent is held as the last month’s rent payment or returned separately at lease end, depending on the contract. Both are due on move-in day. Your lease contract must specify exactly how advance rent is applied — either credited to the last month, or returned as a separate amount after move-out. If the contract is vague on this point, clarify before signing.

PRO TIP: For a ₱10,500/month studio at MakatiApartments.com with a 2-month deposit, your move-in day cash requirement is: ₱10,500 (first month) + ₱21,000 (2-month deposit) + ₱10,500 (advance) = ₱42,000. Have this confirmed in writing at inquiry, and have the full amount available before move-in day. Arriving without the full amount means the unit is available for the next applicant.

3. What Is the Deposit Actually For? The Legal Purpose

Understanding the legal purpose of the security deposit is the foundation of every deposit dispute. The deposit exists for one purpose: to protect the landlord against specific, documented financial losses caused by the tenant. It is not a fee. It is not discretionary income. It is not a penalty for leaving. It is protection against proven loss.

The Three Legitimate Uses of a Security Deposit

Under Philippine civil law principles governing landlord-tenant relationships, a security deposit can be legitimately applied to three categories of loss. First, unpaid rent: if a tenant leaves with outstanding rent that the advance payment does not cover, the landlord can apply the deposit to the unpaid balance. Second, documented damage: if the tenant has caused damage to the property that goes beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can deduct the repair or replacement cost — with supporting documentation. Third, excessive cleaning: if the tenant leaves the unit in a condition requiring specialized cleaning — beyond what normal cleaning between tenants would involve — the cost can be deducted.

That is the complete list of legitimate uses. Every other use of the security deposit — keeping it as a penalty for leaving, applying it to aesthetic renovations the landlord wanted anyway, withholding it because the relationship ended badly, or holding it without explanation past 60 days — has no legal basis under Philippine law.

The Deposit Is Not a Penalty for Normal Tenancy

A landlord who repurposes the security deposit as punishment for a tenant who gave proper notice and left on good terms has no legal standing. The deposit return obligation exists regardless of how the landlord feels about the tenancy ending. A professional property manager understands this. A private landlord who does not sometimes behaves otherwise — which is why documentation and the barangay mediation process exist.

GOOD TO KNOW: The security deposit is YOUR money held by the landlord for a specific, limited purpose. It is not a gift, a fee, or a transaction cost. Every peso of the deposit that is not applied to a documented, legitimate deduction must be returned to you. This is not a favor — it is a legal obligation.

4. What Landlords Can Legitimately Deduct

Landlords in Makati can make deductions from the security deposit when three conditions are met: the damage or cost is real, it was caused by the tenant’s action or inaction (not pre-existing or natural aging), and the landlord has documentation to support the claim. Here is the complete guide.

The Documentation Standard for Legitimate Deductions

For any deduction to be legitimate in 2026, the landlord must be able to show: a photo of the damage that was not present in your move-in photos, a repair receipt or replacement invoice, and a clear itemization of the cost being charged. A landlord who says “I spent ₱5,000 fixing things” without a receipt, without a photo of the damage, and without a written itemization has no documented claim. A verbal assertion of damage is not a valid deduction.

The Specific Case of Wall Holes

Nail holes from hanging lightweight items — a small picture frame, a calendar, a clock — are generally considered normal wear and tear in Makati. These are not deductible. Large wall holes from improperly installed shelving, mounted TV brackets that were not authorized, or anchor bolts that damaged the wall structure are different — these are tenant-caused damage and are legitimately deductible, with repair documentation. The line between the two is not always obvious, which is why move-in photos and documented permission for any wall mounting work are both important.

The Cleaning Deduction Threshold

A landlord can deduct cleaning costs if the unit is left in a condition significantly beyond normal end-of-tenancy cleaning — for example, if mold has been allowed to develop due to tenant neglect, if pests have infested the unit due to food storage issues that were unreported and untreated, or if the kitchen has accumulated grease and residue at a level that requires commercial cleaning. A unit that simply needs standard cleaning between tenants — mopping, wiping surfaces, cleaning the bathroom — is not grounds for a cleaning deduction. Landlords repaint and clean between tenants as a standard cost of property management, not a tenant expense.

5. What Landlords Cannot Deduct: Normal Wear and Tear Explained

Normal wear and tear is the most commonly misunderstood concept in Philippine deposit disputes. Landlords frequently attempt to charge tenants for things that fall squarely within the normal aging of a residential unit. Here is what cannot be deducted under any circumstances.

The Legal Definition of Normal Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear refers to the natural, gradual deterioration of a property and its fixtures from ordinary daily use over time — without any negligence, carelessness, or misuse by the tenant. The key phrase is ‘ordinary daily use.’ Living in an apartment causes wear. That is normal. That wear is the landlord’s cost of owning a rental property.

Specific Examples of Normal Wear and Tear (Cannot Be Deducted)

• Paint fading, yellowing, or minor scuffs from everyday contact — painting between tenants is the landlord’s cost
• Minor scratches on wooden furniture or flooring from normal use — furniture shows age; this is expected
• Small nail holes from hanging lightweight items like picture frames or wall clocks
• Worn carpet or grout discoloration from regular foot traffic and daily cleaning
• Faded or slightly worn window blinds or curtains from sun exposure and regular use
• Loose hinges or handles on cabinets and wardrobes from regular opening and closing
• Slight discoloration of tiles or walls from normal steam and humidity in bathrooms and kitchens
• AC filters that need cleaning — this is routine maintenance, not tenant damage
• Light bulb replacement — consumable, not structural

Specific Examples of Tenant Damage (Can Be Deducted with Documentation)

• Burn marks on countertops, flooring, or furniture from heat or flame
• Large holes in walls from anchors, heavy wall mounts, or physical impact
• Broken glass — windows, mirrors, shower panels
• Stains that cannot be removed by standard cleaning — permanent ink, dye, chemicals
• Damage to AC unit from improper use or lack of basic maintenance (not cleaning filters for years)
• Pet damage to flooring, walls, or furniture — scratching, staining, odor penetration
• Water damage caused by unreported leaks that the tenant knew about but did not report
• Missing or deliberately removed fixtures, light fittings, or included appliances

WATCH OUT: The most common landlord overreach in deposit disputes: charging for repainting the entire unit at move-out. Routine repainting between tenants is normal property management. Unless the tenant has caused specific, documented wall damage, the full repaint cost cannot be charged to the tenant. If a landlord attempts this deduction, challenge it with your move-in photos.

6. The Move-In Documentation System That Protects Your Deposit

The most powerful protection for your security deposit costs nothing and takes approximately 30 minutes on move-in day. It is the single action that determines the outcome of more deposit disputes than any other factor. Here is the complete system.

The Move-In Photo Protocol in Detail

On move-in day, before unpacking a single box, conduct a systematic photo walkthrough of every space in the unit. Use your phone’s camera with timestamp and location enabled. The sequence: front door and building entrance, every wall in the living space including close-up of any existing marks or stains, the floor in every room, the bathroom walls, floor, toilet, and shower, the kitchen including inside every cabinet and the cooktop surface, every piece of included furniture — open every wardrobe door, check the mattress, photograph the dining set, and all included appliances turned on and operating.

When done, you should have 30 to 60 photos documenting the unit’s complete condition at the moment you moved in. Share all of these to the property manager or landlord via Messenger in a single message thread. The message thread timestamp is your timestamped evidence. The landlord’s read receipt or any response creates mutual acknowledgment of the record.

Why Messenger Is the Right Platform

Messenger is better than email for this documentation purpose because: the timestamp is embedded in the platform and cannot be altered retroactively, the read receipt confirms the landlord received the photos, the conversation thread keeps all communications in sequence, and if a dispute goes to barangay mediation, the Messenger thread is accepted as documentary evidence. MakatiApartments.com teams are available on Messenger during business hours and typically respond within minutes to shared photos.

The Move-In Inspection Report

If your property manager has a formal Move-In Inspection Report — a printed or digital form listing each item in the unit with condition ratings — complete it thoroughly and request a signed copy from both parties. A co-signed inspection form adds an additional layer of documentation to your photo evidence. MakatiApartments.com conducts move-in inspections as a standard part of the tenancy commencement process.

PRO TIP: If you notice anything on move-in day that is not functioning or is in poor condition — a slow drain, a non-working outlet, a sticky wardrobe door — report it in the same Messenger message as your move-in photos. This serves two purposes: it creates a record that the issue existed before you moved in (protecting you from being charged for it at move-out), and it initiates the maintenance process so the issue gets fixed.

7. The Deposit Return Process: What Should Happen After You Move Out

The deposit return process begins when you vacate the unit. Here is what a properly managed, professional deposit return process looks like — and how to recognize when things are not going as they should.

The 30 to 60 Day Standard

Philippine law does not specify a statutory deadline for deposit return, but the industry standard in Makati for professionally managed properties is 30 to 60 days after move-out. This window allows the landlord time to: inspect the unit, obtain repair quotes or invoices if deductions apply, process the documentation, and arrange the return payment. A landlord who provides no update within 30 days should be sent a written inquiry. A landlord who has not returned the deposit and provided no itemization after 60 days is in territory where written demand and barangay escalation are appropriate.

The Itemization Requirement

Any landlord making deductions from a security deposit must provide an itemized list of those deductions before the balance is returned. “I deducted ₱8,000 for repairs” is not an itemization. “I deducted ₱3,500 for replacement of the dining chair I can prove was broken by you, ₱2,500 for repair of the shower door you broke, and ₱2,000 for professional removal of unauthorized wall anchors” — with photos and receipts — is an itemization. Demand the itemized list in writing before accepting any reduced deposit payment.

The Move-Out Inspection: Attend It

When the move-out date arrives, request that you attend the inspection with the landlord or property manager. Walking through the unit together, reviewing conditions against the move-in photos, and agreeing on any legitimate deductions in person is significantly more efficient than a disputed process conducted through messages. If the property manager identifies something they consider damage, you can show your move-in photos on the spot. Many potential disputes dissolve during a face-to-face inspection when the documentation is clear.

8. What to Do When Your Landlord Won’t Return the Deposit

If your landlord is not responding, providing no itemization, or simply refusing to return your deposit without valid cause, here is the step-by-step process to recover it.

Step 1: Send a Formal Written Demand

Draft a clear, factual written demand via Messenger or email. State: the original deposit amount and date paid, the official receipt number if you have it, your move-out date, and the full amount you are claiming is owed. Do not make it emotional or threatening. Make it factual and specific. Give a clear deadline for response — ten to fourteen days is standard. End with: “If I do not receive the deposit balance or an itemized deduction statement by [date], I will file a complaint at the Barangay [name] conciliation office.”

Step 2: Follow Up Once in Writing

If the first demand produces no response within the deadline, send a single follow-up noting that the deadline has passed and you are proceeding to barangay mediation. Keep this message factual and brief. Do not engage in extended back-and-forth arguments. The purpose of written communications at this stage is to create a documented record of your good faith effort to resolve the dispute before escalating.

Step 3: File at the Barangay

Go to the barangay hall of the barangay where your apartment is located — for MakatiApartments.com properties, this means Brgy. Poblacion, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Brgy. Pio del Pilar, or Brgy. Guadalupe Nuevo, depending on the building. Ask for the barangay secretary or the Lupong Tagapamayapa (the peace and conciliation council). Tell them you have a dispute with your landlord over a security deposit and want to file for barangay conciliation. You will need: your lease contract, the official receipt showing your deposit payment, any written communications with the landlord, and your move-in photos.

Step 4: Attend the Conciliation Session

The barangay will summon your landlord for a conciliation session. Both parties present their positions and evidence to a barangay official who mediates the dispute. This process is free, conducted in Filipino or English, and does not require a lawyer. The barangay official has authority to issue a settlement agreement that is legally enforceable. Most deposit disputes are resolved at this stage — landlords who have ignored written demands frequently become cooperative when a formal barangay conciliation is initiated.

9. The Barangay Mediation Process for Deposit Disputes

Barangay mediation is the most practical and underused tool available to Makati renters facing deposit disputes. Understanding how it works makes it significantly less intimidating to use.

What Barangay Mediation Is

Barangay mediation is a free dispute resolution service provided by every barangay government in the Philippines under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (Katarungang Pambarangay is Tagalog for ‘barangay justice’). Before any civil case can be filed in court for disputes between individuals in the same city, the parties are legally required to attempt barangay mediation first. The barangay issues a Certificate to File Action only after mediation has been attempted — and this certificate is required before a court will accept the case.

For renters, this means barangay mediation is both a practical tool and a mandatory step before escalating to small claims court. It is not optional and it is not a sign of weakness. It is the official first step in the Philippine legal process for landlord-tenant disputes.

How Long It Takes

Initial barangay mediation typically involves two phases: a 15-day mediation period and, if necessary, a 15-day conciliation period, for a total of 30 days. In practice, many deposit disputes are resolved in the first session. A landlord who has been ignoring written demands often pays the full deposit within days of receiving the barangay summons — the official process creates accountability that informal messages do not.

What Documentation to Bring

• Your lease contract — original or photocopy
• Official receipt(s) for all deposit and advance payments
• Printed or screenshotted Messenger/email thread showing all communications with landlord
• Your move-in photos (on your phone is fine; printed copies are better for presentation)
• Your written demand letters and any response (or lack of response)
• Your move-out photos (if applicable — document the unit’s condition on your last day)

The Result of Successful Mediation

If mediation succeeds, both parties sign a settlement agreement specifying the amount to be returned and the timeline. This agreement is enforceable. If the landlord still fails to comply after signing the settlement, you can apply to have it enforced through the barangay or file for court enforcement without a new trial. Successful mediation gives you a documented, legally backed right to your deposit that is far stronger than an unresolved dispute.

10. Small Claims Court: The Last Resort That Actually Works

If barangay mediation fails to produce a resolution, small claims court is the next step. It is faster, cheaper, and more accessible than most Makati renters realize.

What Small Claims Court Is

Small claims court in the Philippines handles money disputes of up to ₱400,000 without requiring a lawyer. The process is designed to be accessible to individuals — you file, you attend, you present your evidence, and a judge decides. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases filed in Metro Manila, and judges are familiar with the standard arguments and documentation patterns.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Makati

• Obtain a Certificate to File Action from the barangay (issued after failed mediation)
• Go to the Office of the Clerk of Court at the Metropolitan Trial Court in the city where the property is located
• Fill out a Small Claims Statement of Claim form (available at the court or downloadable from the Supreme Court website)
• Attach all supporting documents: lease contract, OR, photos, written demands, barangay Certificate to File Action
• Pay the filing fee (based on the amount of the claim; typically ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 for deposit disputes)
• The court will schedule a hearing and summon the defendant (your landlord)

What Happens at the Hearing

Small claims hearings in the Philippines are conducted in a single session. You present your case, the landlord presents theirs, and the judge decides on the same day or within a short period. No lawyers appear in small claims proceedings — you represent yourself. The judge will ask for your evidence: the lease, the official receipt, the move-in photos, the written demands, and the barangay documentation. A well-documented deposit claim with a clear Messenger thread and timestamped photos almost always prevails when the landlord has no documented basis for the withholding.

Timeline and Cost

From filing to hearing, small claims cases in Metro Manila typically take four to eight weeks. Filing fee is under ₱3,000 for most deposit amounts. No lawyer fee. The total cost of pursuing a ₱21,000 deposit through small claims court is approximately ₱2,000 to ₱3,000 in fees — a worthwhile investment for any deposit above ₱10,000.

GOOD TO KNOW: The threat of small claims court is often sufficient to produce deposit return without actually filing. A formal letter stating your intent to file a small claims case — with the barangay Certificate to File Action attached — prompts most non-compliant landlords to pay. Keep this option in your back pocket from the moment you submit your written demand.

11. MakatiApartments.com: The Transparent Deposit Standard

MakatiApartments.com manages the deposit process with the same professionalism it applies to every other aspect of tenancy. Here is what tenants can expect.

The Standard Deposit Structure

MakatiApartments.com follows the market standard of one to two months’ security deposit plus one month advance rent. The specific amount is stated clearly in the lease contract before signing. Official receipts are issued for every payment on move-in day. No variation from the stated amount occurs without written agreement from both parties.

The Move-In Inspection Standard

Every MakatiApartments.com tenancy begins with a documented move-in inspection. The team conducts or assists with the inspection, photographs are encouraged and welcomed, and any pre-existing condition noted on move-in day is acknowledged in writing. This process is standard across all eight buildings — not an option available only on request. It protects both the tenant and the property management company from disputes based on ambiguous condition records.

The Deposit Return Process

At the end of a MakatiApartments.com tenancy, the deposit return process follows the documented standard: move-out inspection within three days of vacating, itemized deduction list provided if any deductions apply, and deposit balance returned within 30 to 60 days. Tenants who have maintained the unit in good condition, paid rent on time, and followed the documented move-out process consistently receive their full deposit back within the standard window.

When Disputes Arise

MakatiApartments.com’s documented process — move-in photos, formal inspection reports, written communications on Messenger, official receipts — means that disputes are resolvable on the basis of evidence rather than assertion. The company’s Messenger response infrastructure means any deposit concern can be raised and addressed before it becomes an unresolved dispute. Professional property management is the most effective protection against deposit problems — which is one of the reasons the professionally managed portfolio commands a premium over private landlord arrangements.

MakatiApartments.com follows the 1–2 month deposit standard, issues official receipts for all payments, conducts documented move-in inspections, and follows a transparent 30–60 day deposit return process. Contact via Facebook Messenger, call 0998-595-2341, or email info@MakatiApartments.com. Studios from ₱10,500/month across eight Makati buildings.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

My landlord is saying the deposit is ‘part of the rent’ and won’t return it. Is this legal?

No — this is not legal. A security deposit is a refundable amount held as protection against specific, documented losses. It is not rent. A landlord who calls the deposit ‘part of the rent’ or claims it is non-refundable without any accounting has no legal basis for this position under Philippine civil law. Send a written demand citing the deposit’s refundable nature, provide your move-in photos showing the unit’s condition, and escalate to barangay mediation if the landlord does not respond within 14 days. The barangay official will understand immediately that a security deposit must be accounted for.

Can my landlord use the deposit to pay for renovations they wanted to do anyway?

No. A landlord who uses the security deposit to fund renovations, repainting, or upgrades that are part of their normal property improvement agenda — rather than repair of tenant-caused damage — is misappropriating the deposit. The deposit can only cover losses specifically caused by the tenant. A landlord who planned to repaint the unit after tenancy regardless of the tenant’s behavior cannot charge that cost to the departing tenant. Challenge this deduction with your move-in photos and a written demand.

What if the landlord says they have not found the time to inspect the unit yet after 60 days?

After 60 days without a deposit return or itemized deduction list, your landlord is in unreasonable delay territory regardless of the explanation. Send a written demand setting a final 14-day deadline. If the landlord genuinely has not inspected the unit, they have had two months to do so — their scheduling issues are not your financial liability. File for barangay mediation if the 14-day deadline passes without action. The barangay summons will typically prompt faster action than any written demand.

My lease says the deposit is non-refundable if I break the lease early. Is this enforceable?

This clause is legally ambiguous in the Philippines and in many cases not fully enforceable as written. Under civil law, the deposit serves as liquidated damages for early termination only to the extent that it covers actual documented losses. A landlord who keeps the full deposit for early termination while also renting the unit immediately to a new tenant at the same or higher rate has not suffered the full loss the deposit was meant to cover. The clause provides leverage in negotiation, but it does not mean the landlord automatically keeps everything without accounting. If you believe the clause has been applied unfairly, the barangay mediation process is still available to you.

Should I take photos at move-out as well as move-in?

Yes — absolutely. Move-out photos documenting the unit’s condition on your last day before handing over the keys serve the same protective function as move-in photos. They show the condition you left the unit in and provide evidence against any damage claimed by the landlord that you can demonstrate was not present at move-out. Share these to the Messenger thread on the same day you vacate. The before-and-after documentation — move-in photos versus move-out photos — is the most complete evidence package available in any deposit dispute.

My landlord returned the deposit but deducted ₱5,000 for ‘general cleaning.’ Is this valid?

Probably not. Standard end-of-tenancy cleaning is the landlord’s cost of preparing the unit for the next tenant — not a tenant expense. A ₱5,000 ‘general cleaning’ deduction is only valid if the unit was left in a condition requiring cleaning significantly beyond normal — extreme grease buildup, pest infestation from neglect, biological waste issues. If you left the unit in a reasonably clean state, you have grounds to challenge this deduction. Send a written demand for an itemized breakdown of what the ₱5,000 covers, with supporting receipts. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, file for barangay mediation to recover the amount.

Your Deposit Is Your Money: Know How to Protect It

The security deposit is the largest single amount of money most Makati renters hand over before their tenancy begins. It is also the amount they have the least control over during the tenancy — it sits with the landlord, and its return depends on what you documented, what condition you left the unit in, and whether your landlord is operating honestly.

The good news is that the system is not stacked against tenants. Philippine civil law protects the deposit as a refundable amount that can only be applied to documented, legitimate losses. The barangay mediation process is free, effective, and accessible. Small claims court is affordable and does not require a lawyer. The documentation tools available — a phone camera and Messenger — are things every Makati renter already has.

What separates renters who get their full deposit back from those who do not is almost never the quality of their tenancy or the size of the deposit. It is the 30-minute investment on move-in day that creates a timestamped, shared photographic record of the unit’s condition. Everything in this article — the deduction rules, the return process, the dispute resolution steps — is easier when that record exists.

MakatiApartments.com’s documented process — official receipts, formal move-in inspection, Messenger communication records, transparent 30 to 60 day return timeline — is designed to make the deposit process clear and dispute-free. Fully furnished studios from ₱10,500 per month, across eight buildings in four Makati barangays.

Contact MakatiApartments.com via Facebook Messenger — response in under 5 minutes. Call 0998-595-2341 or email info@MakatiApartments.com. Studios from ₱10,500/month. Official receipts. Documented move-in inspection. Transparent deposit return process. Eight buildings across Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Pio del Pilar, and Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.