Paying a security deposit when you move into a house or apartment seems like a hassle, but it protects the landlord in the event you leave the residence with costly repairs, extensive cleaning, or owing back rent or utilities. There are some easy ways to make sure you get your security deposit back, and it begins when you move in. Follow these suggestions, and your landlord should be satisfied when you move out, and you will be happy to get all your money returned.
First, take some precautions when moving in.
- Complete a move-in inspection and take pictures of pre-existing damage.
- Be careful when moving furniture and appliances into the apartment.
- Ask the landlord before making changes like paint colors, putting nails in the wall, or changing appliances.
- Keep the rental tidy and clean up any spills on tile or carpet.
Second, read your lease carefully.
If you are thinking about moving out, be sure to let your landlord know in advance so the unit can be rented. Most lease agreements state a 30-day notice, but some will ask for a 60 or 90-day notice. To be sure you get your deposit back, you need to follow the requirements of the lease.
Third, record enhancements and upgrades.
Although you are probably not required to make upgrades to the rental while you are living there, many tenants like to make a space their own. Once you get the ok from the landlord, feel free to upgrade countertops or paint kitchen cabinets. If you are feeling especially energetic, you might want to change out the carpet for laminate or tile flooring. An easy upgrade is changing the showerhead or installing an eco-friendly toilet. Just be sure it’s ok with the landlord and offer a list of the improvements when moving out.
Fourth, take the time to deep clean.
Even if you clean regularly, some nooks and crannies get overlooked. You need to do a deep clean before you move out.
- Clean windows and sills.
- Steam clean carpet and tile.
- Vacuum behind the refrigerator and stove.
- Dust mini blinds and ceiling fans.
- Scrub bathrooms and disinfect.
- Wipe up kitchen cabinets, stove, and refrigerator.
- Sweep deck and porch and clean away cobwebs.
Fifth, talk to your landlord.
If you have always had a good relationship with your landlord, he might be willing to do a pre-move-out inspection and let you know of anything that needs to be fixed. He might want you to spackle the nail holes from your pictures or touch up the paint where the couch has rubbed the wall. If you have been an excellent tenant and not caused problems or had neighbors make complaints against you – your landlord should be happy to return your deposit in full once you have met the agreements of the lease.
