What must a landlord provide if they intend to withhold a security deposit?

A landlord must provide written notification when they intend to withhold a security deposit. This requirement is crucial because it ensures transparency and fairness in the process of handling security deposits. By providing written notification, landlords must outline the reasons for withholding the deposit, detail any deductions made, and inform tenants about their rights in relation to the security deposit. This legal obligation protects tenants by ensuring they are informed of the circumstances surrounding the withholding, allowing them the opportunity to dispute any charges if they believe the deductions are unjustified.

The other options are less relevant in this context. A new lease agreement is not related to the security deposit withholding process, as it pertains to the terms of tenancy rather than the handling of the deposit itself. An inspection checklist, while useful as a documentation tool for assessing the condition of the property, does not fulfill the requirement for notifying tenants about the withholding of their deposit. Lastly, providing a refund of previous rent is also unrelated, as this does not address the reasons for withholding part or all of a security deposit.