Moving Out? Get the Most out of Your Security Deposit

Moving out of your apartment and want to get your deposit back (or at least as much as possible!) on time and with little hassle? Don’t we all! Here are some tips on how to do so…

• First of all, immediately upon moving in you should take pictures and video of the whole unit. Take note of anything that could potentially be charged to you upon moving out. Paint chips, carpet stains, water marks, leaky sinks, etc.

• DURING your lease, make sure that you report any problems or concerns immediately. Take pictures and email your landlord. It’s wise to print out that email and save it. All communication should be done in writing so that you always have proof of exchanges.

• If you make any improvements to the apartment, keep track of them! REMEMBER: you MUST ask your landlord before making ANY changes. Maybe you added a shelf for storage, unclogged a drain, fixed a broken window, added an air conditioning unit, insulated the floors, etc.

• Make sure you give your landlord enough notice that you are going to end your tenancy. This is important whether you have a yearly lease or are month-to-month. If you don’t provide your landlord with ample time to find a new tenant, you run the risk of owing extra rent.

 

• On that note…why have your landlord find the new tenant? Maybe you have someone in mind – a friend or colleague. Your landlord will be much happier if you find a new suitable tenant, preventing them from having to go through the process themselves. Make sure you run this new tenant by your landlord FIRST and provide him/her with any info that they may need (background checks, credit reports, etc.)

• If you live with roommates and are the only one moving out, negotiate with your future ex-roomies and/or your landlord to get your portion of the security deposit back more quickly. Technically (and legally!), landlords are not required to return the deposit until all tenants have vacated the property.

• Document your cleaning and repair work by taking photos and videos of the rental when you’re done. It’s not a bad idea to also get a witness to verify your work.

• Keep in mind that cleaning does not just entail moving your things out and sweeping up. You need to remove any nails you may have put in the walls and cover them up with putty. You need to take care of any stains you may have left on the floors/carpets. Scrub the oven, thoroughly clean the refrigerator, etc.

• Always ask to be present when the landlord comes to inspect the apartment. This way you can fix any potential problems and do more cleaning if need be.

• Finally, make sure you leave your forwarding address with your landlord so that he/she can send you the security deposit at the appropriate time. The time in which you get your security deposit back varies from state to state. Look up your state to see your landlord’s return timeline.