August 2018

 

It is the obligation of your landlord to return your security deposit at the end of you lease. Getting it back after you move may seem like an impossible task but do not lose hope yet. The security deposit is essentially your money and nothing can ease the pain of moving like a fully refunded security deposit.

These expert tips will help you get your cash back-

Plan when you move in

To save time and money when you move out, start planning and taking precautions when you move in. To avoid getting charged extra for any possible damage, use removable hooks to hang stuff. To protect the floors from scratches use felt pads.

Keep the documents organized

Read the lease documents carefully when moving in. Keep all of them in one place. Make sure that you thoroughly research the procedure to end the rental agreement and comply with it.

Photograph everything

Photographs serve as a proof of the property’s condition. Sometimes photo documentation is not enough proof for landlords. Take a video of the entire rental property when you first move in and again when you move out. This can serve as proof that you kept the rental in great condition in case the property manager tries to keep your deposit.

Arguing with landlords is very hard so keeping a record of every maintenance issue during your stay is important to move out smoothly. For record keeping, request the maintenance schedules through emails.

Plan out the move out date with your roommate

Coordinate the move out date with your roommates mainly because of two reasons-

• You do not want to leave it to your roommate to clean the whole apartment alone and get it ready for the next tenant
• You do not want your roommate to move out first leaving all the junk for you to clean up.

Ask your landlord to do a mockup inspection

Asking your landlord to do an inspection before leaving helps you identify what needs fixing. It also gets both of you on the same page about what needs repairs and cleaning. It is recommended that you give yourself a few days between the inspection and move out date so that you have ample amount of time to correct any issues.

Research the local laws

In most states it is illegal for the landlord to keep your security deposit without any valid reason or explanation. Therefore, thoroughly research the renter’s rights in your state with regard to the security deposit.

The state attorney websites and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are a good starting point for information. Your property manager is probably already aware of all the regulations. You should be too!

Take care of the essential repairs

Small efforts go a long way to make a difference. Small repairs such as filling nail holes, unclogging drains and replacing light bulbs do not take much time. They surely raise the general condition of the property. The landlord is sure to appreciate your efforts and will be less likely to make deductions from your deposit.

With proper planning there is nothing that can stop you from getting your hard earned money back. The thought of getting your security deposit back may seem daunting but it does not have to be.