Each of these is a refusal this regime lets a counterparty attempt, paired with the answer to it. Reading them before you write is worth more than any amount of polish on the letter itself.
"We are giving you back exactly what you gave us"
high likelihoodThe landlord returns the nominal number of pesos deposited at the start of the tenancy and treats the matter as closed.
What answers it
If the contract was signed between 1 July 2020 and 29 December 2023, Ley 27.551 requires the deposit to be returned at the value of one month’s rent at the moment of restitution, not at the nominal figure. Quote the article and the rent in your final month. The landlord will usually not know the rule exists.
Ley 27.551, art. 14 — art. 14, sustituyendo el art. 1196 CCyC — depósito de un mes y devolución "al valor del precio de un mes de alquiler al momento de la restitución del inmueble"
"The DNU repealed all that"
high likelihoodThe landlord says DNU 70/2023 swept away Ley 27.551 and therefore the revaluation rule does not apply to anyone.
What answers it
The DNU applies to contracts celebrated from 30 December 2023. A contract signed before that date continues to be governed by the law in force when it was signed, until it ends. Ask which regime they say applies and produce the first page of the contract with the date on it.
DNU 70/2023, capítulo de locaciones — derogación de la Ley 27.551 y sustitución del art. 1196 CCyC (libertad de pacto)
"We are still working out the costs"
high likelihoodThe landlord holds the whole deposit indefinitely while quotes, invoices or utility bills are said to be pending.
What answers it
The statutory return period exists precisely so the landlord can obtain quotes and final bills inside it. It does not restart because they left it late, and it does not licence holding the whole deposit against one unquantified item. Ask them to return everything not genuinely in issue now, and to quantify the rest by a stated date.
"The property needed cleaning and redecorating"
high likelihoodThe landlord charges for cleaning, carpet wear, scuffed paint or tired fittings and treats the deposit as a refurbishment fund.
What answers it
Fair wear and tear from ordinary use is not a recoverable loss in any of the regimes this product covers — a deduction must reflect damage or a breach beyond ordinary use, must be evidenced, and must be reduced for the age and remaining life of the item. Ask for the invoice, the check-in and check-out evidence, and the calculation.
"Prove you did not cause it"
high likelihoodThe landlord asserts damage and expects the tenant to disprove it, often without a check-in inventory.
What answers it
It is the party seeking to keep the money who must justify keeping it. Where there is no dated check-in record to compare against, an adjudicator has nothing to measure the alleged damage from, and the deduction generally fails on that ground alone.