🔁 Flow 1: Applying All or Part of the Security Deposit Toward Rent or Damages
Use this process when the tenant is not getting the full deposit back.
Step 1: Record the Outgoing Funds from the Security Deposit
Navigate to the Transactions tab.
Click "Add Transaction."
Set the Transaction Type to:
Money OutChoose the Category:
Security DepositSelect the correct Property and Unit.
Step 2: Allocate Funds to the Appropriate Category
Click "Add Transaction" again.
Set the Transaction Type to:
Money InChoose the correct Category:
For unpaid rent: select
RentFor damages: select an expense category (e.g.,
Repairs & Maintenance)
Select the same Property and Unit used in Step 1.
Step 3: Zero Out the Tenant Ledger Balance
Go to the Tenant Ledger for the unit.
Click the “More” dropdown and select "Adjust Balance."
Set the Date to the next day.
Set the New Balance to:
$0.00
💡 This final step ensures the ledger clearly reflects that the deposit was applied to outstanding charges.
⚠️ Note: Stessa does not process physical refunds. Any remaining portion of the deposit owed to the tenant must be refunded outside the platform.
💸 Flow 2: Returning the Full Security Deposit
Use this process when the tenant is receiving their full deposit back after move-out.
Step 1: Record the Return of the Security Deposit
Go to the Transactions tab.
Click "Add Transaction."
Set the Transaction Type to:
Money OutChoose the Category:
Security DepositSelect the correct Property and Unit.
Step 2: Verify the Transaction is Linked to the Correct Tenant
In the Transactions tab, find the newly created
Money Outtransaction.Ensure the Property/Unit field shows the correct tenant.
If incorrect, click into the transaction and select the right tenant from the dropdown.
Step 3: Zero Out the Tenant Ledger Balance
Navigate to the Tenant Ledger.
Click the “More” dropdown and choose "Adjust Balance."
Set the Date to the next day.
Enter
$0.00as the New Balance.
✅ This confirms the full deposit was returned and closes out the tenant’s balance.
⚠️ Reminder: Refunds must be handled outside of Stessa. The platform does not currently support issuing tenant refunds.
🛠 Need Help?
If you have questions about ledger adjustments or transaction categories, visit our Support Center or contact our team directly.