The landlord will not refund the deposit. I want to damage his furniture and appliances. Is it illegal?

If the landlord does not refund the deposit, it is illegal to damage furniture and appliances. If the damaged property involves a large amount, it may also involve the crime of intentionally damaging property. I suggest you discuss settlement or bring a lawsuit to the court. If the lease contract does not stipulate the nature or rules of the deposit, the lessor shall return the deposit in full to the lessee on the day when the lease contract expires and the lessee moves out and pays all the expenses.

Legal analysis

Renting a house is very common in life. Generally, you need to pay a deposit when renting a house. The so-called deposit generally refers to the deposit of utilities, property fees and other related expenses. If the nature or rules of the deposit are stipulated in the lease contract, the role of the deposit is to set a guarantee for the house and its property. During the lease period, if the lessee improperly uses the house and causes property losses of the lessor's house and indoor facilities, the lessor may deduct the deposit accordingly and refund the deposit after deducting the property losses. It is illegal to damage furniture and household appliances. If the damaged property involves a large amount, it may also involve the crime of intentionally damaging property. Tenants can report the landlord to the Market Supervision Department of the Housing Authority in the district where the rented house is located. This is definitely the case with rented houses, and income tax must be paid, but 90% of the landlords don't pay it, indicating that the landlords rent it illegally. Maybe the landlord just wants to detain the money for no reason, and he can apply to the court for a payment order to protect his rights and interests. I suggest you discuss settlement or bring a lawsuit to the court.

legal ground

People's Republic of China (PRC) Civil Code

Article 703 A lease contract is a contract in which the lessor delivers the lease item to the lessee for use and profit, and the lessee pays the rent.

Article 710 Where the lessee uses the lease item in accordance with the agreed method or the nature of the lease item, thereby causing losses to the lease item, it shall not be liable for compensation.

Article 711 Where the lessee fails to use the lease item in accordance with the agreed method or the nature of the lease item, thereby causing losses to the lease item, the lessor may terminate the contract and demand compensation for the losses.