What must landlords provide to tenants regarding the security deposit?

Landlords are required to provide tenants with a written receipt for the security deposit when it is collected. This receipt serves as proof of the transaction and helps establish the amount paid, as well as the date of the deposit. This requirement is in place to protect both the landlord and the tenant; it ensures transparency in the handling of the deposit and provides the tenant with documentation should any disputes arise regarding the return of the deposit at the end of the lease.

While the other choices may be relevant to the rental process—such as providing a copy of the lease agreement or information about local utilities—none of these are specifically mandated in the context of the security deposit regulations. They do not fulfill the legal requirement for documentation regarding the receipt of the security deposit. Additionally, property inspections can be important for maintenance and ensuring habitability, but they do not pertain directly to the handling and documentation of the security deposit itself. Thus, the provision of a written receipt is the crucial requirement associated with security deposits.