When moving into a new apartment, you will be expected to pay a security deposit. A standard security deposit costs the same as one month’s rent. The security deposit is exactly that: you pay the landlord extra rent up front as collateral should you damage any part of the apartment unit over the duration of the lease agreement. When you move out, as long as your apartment is in equal to or better condition than when you moved in, you should plan to see your security deposit returned to you. Just because you did not damage the property does not guarantee the return of your deposit. Receiving the return of your deposit is not as easy as it may sound. Use these tips to your advantage to rest assured you are covered, and you do not move out without your security deposit.
Treat Your Lease Like a Syllabus
Reading the lease sounds like a no-brainer, but tenants overlook it all the time. Prior to moving in, you should read the lease for competency many times before signing your name on the line. Make sure you know every rule in the lease about security deposits being returned. Renters are not normally responsible for everyday usage of a rental property. Some landlords make it the tenant’s responsibility to see the carpets cleaned, windows washed, and holes filled prior to packing up and trucking. It is important you are aware of what their expectations for you as a tenant are.
You Have Rights: Know Them
Many renters make themselves victims by not knowing the rules or the legal protections in place for them. Laws differ from state to state, but in the majority of the lower forty-eight, landlords are not allowed to keep a security deposit without giving an explanation to the tenant. It is critical to know the state statutes and city ordinances to protect yourself to the best of your ability. In some states, it is mandatory a landlord offers a time frame for returning a deposit or even paying interest on it.
Keep Everything on File
Prior to carrying your boxes through the door, walk through your apartment and take pictures of everything. If there is a tiny scratch or dent, photograph it. This will protect you from being liable for any damage you did not do. After you have taken photos and made a complete list of every imperfection, guide your landlord on a walk-through of the unit. Have the landlord sign off on all of the damages you made yourself aware of. This makes it really easy to prove your innocence when you move out and get your security deposit back. Additionally, it shows your landlord that you are proactive and responsible.
Be a Good Renter and Neighbor
It may seem silly to mention, but if you intend to receive your security deposit paid in full when you move out, you cannot be a bad tenant that trashes the apartment unit. Stay on top of your messes, cleaning all stains and messes when they happen, especially on the carpet. Landlords tend to seek out any issues with walls and floors when they evaluate the unit prior to moving out. If anything in your apartment breaks, notify your landlord immediately via text message or email, and print or screenshot the conversation for documented evidence. At the very least, write down the date and time you noticed and reported the break and keep this on file. As long as you are a responsible, conscientious tenant, you have nothing to worry about.
