When entering into a lease agreement, it is important to understand the concept of a security deposit. This is a lump sum payment made to the landlord at the start of the lease, which is typically returned at the end of the lease term. The amount of the deposit can vary based on factors such as the city, type of property, location, and length of the lease. Generally, it can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months of rent. In some cases, landlords may offer a bank guarantee as an alternative form of security for the initial deposit.