Splitting a deposit when you didn't all move in together
Record the original deposit, who paid it, and what the landlord holds. When a new roommate arrives, decide whether they reimburse the departing person directly or contribute to a shared internal ledger. Put the amount and condition of the room in writing.
The landlord may not return any deposit until the tenancy ends, so do not confuse a roommate reimbursement with the official deposit refund. Take photos at every handoff and preserve receipts.
A written chain of contributions prevents the last remaining roommate from carrying everyone else’s memory.