Be Proactive About Getting Your Security Deposit Back
When you’re moving out of a rental, you will, of course, want to get your security deposit back. But you don’t have to wait until the week you move to take care of things. You can get started now. Here are a few quick and easy tips to follow that your landlord will greatly appreciate and will help you get your deposit back.
Adhere to the Rules
One of the top issues that may cause a tenant to forfeit a security deposit is not following the rules. The lease you sign upon moving into a rental is a binding contract. If your lease indicates that you must obtain written permission from the landlord before you can modify your unit, then be sure to get that permission in writing before you paint an accent wall or make structural changes.
Leave the Unit Clean and Intact
You will need to take steps to leave your rental unit as clean, or cleaner, than it was on the day you moved into it. If it isn’t clean, you will likely lose some or all of your deposit. If you don’t have the time, or interest, for cleaning, you may want to hire someone to help. 2 Local Gals Cleaning in St. George does an excellent job.
Carpets are often a problem area. If you need help getting out stains or ground-in dirt, we highly recommend Carpet CPR in St. George, Utah.
Additionally, you must make any necessary repairs to issues that were caused by you(for example, holes in the walls that you made to hang artwork).
Be Present During the Inspection
Ask to be present during the inspection of the premises. This will be a useful strategy if the landlord discovers issues you’re responsible for that you may have missed. You can then make a request to clean any areas that you forgot about, and you may be able to repair or replace anything that you should have fixed.
Take Pictures
Just as you would take photos when you move into a unit, you should do this when you move out of the place. Take photos of everything, so you have proof of the condition in which you left the rental. In the event of a dispute or miscommunication, the pictures you take could serve you well.
Most landlords tend to be fair about returning a security deposit – as long as you don’t give them reasons to keep it. However, you should always protect yourself by knowing the terms of your lease, cleaning a unit thoroughly, and leaving it in the same shape it was in initially. If you take proactive measures, you will likely be able to retrieve the money you paid for a security deposit.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
