Vietnam Commercial Security Deposits: Regulations and Market Practices
Guide to commercial security deposit regulations in Vietnam including typical amounts, bank guarantees, refund conditions, and risk management.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Commercial security deposits in Vietnam are governed by the Civil Code 2015 and the Law on Real Estate Business 2023. For existing commercial properties, deposits are governed by the principle of freedom of contract (Article 328, Civil Code 2015), and there is no statutory cap. However, for commercial construction works to be formed in the future, Article 23, Clause 5 of the Law on Real Estate Business 2023 (effective 1 August 2024) limits the deposit to no more than 5% of the selling or lease-purchase price.
Typical Commercial Deposit Amounts
Essential Lease Provisions
Commercial lease agreements must clearly specify:
- Deposit amount — Exact sum in VND
- Interest on deposit — Whether the deposit earns interest
- Deposit increases — Whether the deposit adjusts when rent increases
- Return timeline — Typically 30-90 days after lease termination
- Permitted deductions — Repairs, unpaid rent, contract breaches
- Bank guarantee option — Whether a bank guarantee may substitute for a cash deposit
Bank Guarantees
In major commercial transactions, tenants may offer a bank guarantee instead of a cash deposit:
- A bank issues a standby letter of credit to the landlord
- The landlord can claim against the guarantee if the tenant breaches
- Common for Grade A offices and large retail spaces
- Preferred by multinational tenants
Best Practices
- Detailed provisions — Spell out all deposit conditions clearly
- Condition survey — Document property condition at handover
- Insurance requirement — Require tenant property insurance
- Credit assessment — Evaluate the tenant's financial capacity before signing
How Landager Helps
Landager helps track commercial security deposits, manage return timelines, and store handover documentation — ensuring professional management at every stage.
Back to Vietnam Commercial Property Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
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