Property Manager Guide · Updated January 2026
UDR (United Dominion Realty) manages 60,000+ units — and knows how to hold your deposit. Here's how to get it back.
How to Dispute UDR (United Dominion Realty) Security Deposit Deductions
UDR (United Dominion Realty) is one of the largest US property managers, headquartered in Highlands Ranch, CO. If they've deducted from your security deposit, here's what you can dispute and how.
UDR (United Dominion Realty) kept your deposit?
Check if their deductions are legal
Common UDR (United Dominion Realty) Deductions
These are the charges UDR (United Dominion Realty) most frequently deducts from security deposits. Most are contestable under state law and HUD useful life guidelines.
Carpet replacement
Typical: $550-1,400ContestableHUD MAP Guide 5C: 5-year useful life
Wall painting
Typical: $300-750ContestableHUD Handbook 4350.1: 3-year useful life
Cleaning fee
Typical: $175-425ContestableMust exceed normal cleaning
Counter / cabinet refinishing
Typical: $200-600ContestableHUD useful life guidelines: built-in cabinetry depreciates over many years
Light fixture / bulb replacement
Typical: $25-150ContestableLight bulbs are routine maintenance in most states
Concierge / amenity damages
Typical: $100-500ContestableMust be tied to documented incidents
Common UDR (United Dominion Realty) Tactics to Watch For
- •Generic "damages" line items pulled from a standard make-ready list
- •Charging for light bulb replacement as "tenant damage"
- •Repainting entire units for cosmetic touch-ups
- •Counter and cabinet refinishing after short tenancies
- •Sending only an emailed PDF instead of mailed itemized statement
UDR (United Dominion Realty) counts on tenants not knowing their rights. Every state has specific rules about deposit return deadlines, itemized statements, and normal wear and tear. Upload their deduction letter to see exactly which charges you can fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
UDR charged me for light bulbs — is that legal?
Generally no. Light bulb replacement is considered routine maintenance in most states and is the landlord's responsibility unless the lease specifically transfers it. Even then, normal bulb burnout is not chargeable.
How long does UDR have to return my deposit?
Depends on the state. UDR operates in CA (21 days), CO (30-60 days), TX (30 days), MA (30 days), VA (45 days), and others. Track the deadline — missing it can entitle you to a full refund plus penalties.
Can UDR charge me for refinishing kitchen cabinets?
Typically not for normal wear. Under HUD useful life guidelines, built-in cabinetry depreciates over many years. Refinishing is generally a landlord capital improvement, not a tenant-caused repair, unless you actually damaged the cabinets.
UDR sent my deposit statement only by email — does that count?
Most states require written notice "delivered" or "mailed" to your forwarding address. Email is not legally sufficient in most jurisdictions. Demand a mailed copy and start the deadline clock from the day you receive it.
What if UDR's vendor invoices look suspiciously high?
Get 2-3 independent quotes for the same work from local vendors. Submit them with your dispute letter. Courts routinely reject inflated landlord invoices and reduce charges to market rate.
Don't let UDR (United Dominion Realty) keep your money
Get Your UDR (United Dominion Realty) Demand Letter Now
Upload your deduction letter. Our tool cites your state's laws and HUD useful-life guidelines to generate a professional demand letter you can send today.
Based on state landlord-tenant law · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527