Take pictures before you move in. Make sure to document any damage no matter how small.
Keep a signed copy of your lease in a safe place.
Leave the place in as good condition as it was when you found it. Make sure any specific items mentioned as part of the move out are addressed and that you can prove it.
Take pictures when you move out.
Research your states small claims court rules and procedures.
Sue landlord in small claims court if they try to steal your deposit.

I did this to a landlord who tried to rip us off with a bunch of bullshit fees after we left the house in immaculate condition. We tried talking to them and they wouldn't even respond. It cost me about $100 for the court fee and to have them served. They must have known they fucked up because they paid up (deposit and court fees) almost immediately.

It pissed me off because I guarantee I'm not the first person they pulled that shit on.

[–] Sukisuki@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

This was an advice from my mom and for my first flat I ignored it. It ended up with landlord keeping the deposit because of some items we didn't take with us. Mentioned items were a bunch of worthless trash he, so politely, asked us to keep in an unused room because he could need them later. After that I religiously documented every single detail & interaction with landlords(texts etc.) Saved my ass a bunch of times.