Cameroon rental deposit: how much, what it covers, how to get it back

The security deposit is probably the topic that creates the most friction between landlords and tenants in Cameroon. How much should you expect, what does it actually cover, how do you get it back? Here is what you need to know before signing a lease in Yaoundé, Douala, or anywhere else in Cameroon.

What gets asked in practice

Cameroonian law caps the deposit at 3 months' rent maximum. In practice, what gets asked depends on the neighborhood, the property, and the landlord.

• Bonapriso, Bastos, upscale neighborhoods: 2 to 3 months deposit + 1 month upfront, almost always.
• Akwa, Bonanjo, downtown: 2 months deposit + 1 month upfront, sometimes 3 months for new buildings.
• Mid-tier residential (Makepe, Logpom, Biyem-Assi): 1 to 2 months deposit + 1 month upfront.
• Lower-cost neighborhoods: typically 1 month deposit + 1 month upfront, sometimes less.

For short-term furnished stays (per night or per week), the deposit on KasaStay is held by the platform. You don't hand cash to the host on arrival.

What the deposit actually covers

The deposit covers the landlord against:

• Damage caused to the property during occupancy
• Unpaid rent (rare but possible)
• Unpaid utility bills (water, electricity) that the landlord has to settle before the end of the lease
• End-of-lease cleaning if the place isn't returned clean

It does not cover normal wear and tear (slightly faded paint after 2 years, yellowed power outlets, etc.). That distinction matters for defending your right to get it back.

The classic trap: the deposit that never comes back

It's the number-one reason for disputes between tenants and landlords in Cameroon. Here is how to avoid it from day one.

1. Written and photographed move-in inspection. Photograph every room, every wall, every appliance. Date and timestamp. Have the landlord or their representative sign. Without this, you have no proof.
2. Get a detailed receipt for the deposit.With the amount, the date, and the wording “refundable deposit”. Not a casual SMS confirmation.
3. Use traceable payment. MTN MoMo, Orange Money, bank transfer. Avoid cash. Without a paper trail, contesting is impossible.
4. Read the return clause.The lease must specify how many days after move-out the deposit is returned. Standard is 30 to 60 days. If nothing is written, it's a bad sign.
5. Do a contradictory move-out inspection. Meaning: with the landlord or their representative present, photos taken, and signed.

What to do if the deposit isn't returned

If the landlord refuses or delays past the agreed deadline:

1. Send a formal written notice with proof of delivery (via bailiff or registered mail). Reference the lease, your move-out date, and the move-out inspection.
2. File with the relevant high court(the one for the property's location). With the inspection, the lease, and the deposit receipt, your case is solid.
3. Try mediation first. Many neighborhoods have traditional chiefs or neighborhood committees that act as mediators. They can resolve a situation without going to court.

How KasaStay simplifies all this

On KasaStay, you don't hand the deposit to anyone. For short-term furnished stays, the deposit is held automatically by the platform. At checkout, if everything is in order, it's refunded. If there's a dispute, our team arbitrates using check-in and check-out photos as the reference. For long-term leases listed on KasaStay, the contract is standardized with a clear return clause and a fixed deadline.

To browse verified properties without deposit surprises: explore listings on KasaStay.