I had my deposit back. But I (still) have very good, friendly relations with the landlady, had been living there for a long time, taking good care of her apartment, and I was paying the rent until she found another person for my place (which was fast). And I had a really good reason to move out.I would not expect to much cooperation from the landlord side otherwise, because for him/her it's a trouble. I guess the contract should specify this and all the rest is a matter of good will of the landlord.