Looks like there are accounts that can earn 3.5%. It's an hour or two of work. Average occupancy rate is close to three years. A $2000 deposit would cover an inspection after a year.

Fallback could be on the renter if there is reason to withhold and on the owner if there is no need to withhold.

[–] alkbch@lemmy.ml 0 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

Assuming your numbers are correct, after one year the interest is $70. I doubt you’d get anyone out to conduct the inspection at that price, let alone two because you need one at move in and one at move out; and let’s not even get started about potential the additional work should there be a dispute by the tenant or the landlord.