{"id":5913,"date":"2017-05-16T11:52:43","date_gmt":"2017-05-16T15:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=5913"},"modified":"2023-07-24T13:33:38","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T17:33:38","slug":"how-to-make-sure-you-get-your-full-deposit-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/how-to-make-sure-you-get-your-full-deposit-back\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make Sure You Get Your Full Deposit Back"},"content":{"rendered":"
Whether you have a great or terrible relationship with your landlord, when it is time to discuss security deposits, the gloves are off. If you keep your apartment clean and in the condition it was in when you first moved in, you expect the full deposit back. However, landlords<\/a> can find even the smallest reason to keep some or all of your security deposit. In order to stop this from happening, check out these tips that can help make sure you get your deposit back.<\/p>\n Before you even move into an apartment, you should be sure everything is in working order. If it isn\u2019t working when you move out, and don\u2019t have documented proof it was broken when you moved in, you will likely be charged for it. To make sure this doesn\u2019t happen, bring and fill out a move-in checklist<\/a> on your walkthrough<\/a>. It also couldn\u2019t hurt to take pictures of the apartment too. Make sure your landlord signs the checklist as well, to ensure you have evidence that everything was in working order. <\/span><\/p>\n So now that you know everything is clean and in working order in your new apartment, let\u2019s make sure to keep it that way! This means not spilling things on the white carpet or destroying these appliances. Basically, treat it like you own it because if you don\u2019t you likely won\u2019t be getting much of that sweet, sweet safety deposit back. Also, if you keep on top of cleaning and small repairs<\/a>, you will save yourself from having to do it all right before you move out. By continuously keeping your apartment clean and intact throughout your stay, you will make sure you get your whole damage deposit back. <\/span><\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, documenting everything in your apartment before moving is a great way to make sure everything is in working order. However, the documentation shouldn\u2019t stop once you move in. If something is broken or damaged, it is important to take a photo of the damage and then a photo after you get it fixed. Keeping a running list of things that are good, bad, and ugly in the apartment is a great way to make sure you don\u2019t miss out on anything that could cost you a large chunk of your security deposit. <\/span><\/p>\n This one is quite obvious, but probably the most important in this article. If you have been lazy throughout your stay in the apartment and the messes and repairs have piled up, it is time to get your butt in gear. If you have any hope of getting the deposit back, cleaning up any loose ends before leaving is crucial. This includes everything from patching holes in the wall from nails, getting the carpets cleaned, fixing any loose hinges, and other general cleaning. Basically, it should look as good or better than it did when you came in possession of the property. <\/span><\/p>\n Asking a landlord to give your apartment a final inspection before moving out is always a good idea. It can be an awesome way to find out if you need to do anything extra to get your deposit back. Laws vary by state, but in some areas, the landlord does not have to complete a walkthrough. <\/span>In fact, some may want to do the walk through by themselves or some may not even help you at all. While your landlord might not even be open to this, it\u2019s a good idea to ask. If can be a great way to ensure you get your full deposit back, as they will know if anything else need to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n1. Check Appliances During Move-In<\/h2>\n
2. Maintain the Integrity of the Apartment<\/h2>\n
3. Document Everything<\/h2>\n
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4. Clean and Fix Items Before Moving<\/h2>\n
5. Ask for a Final Inspection<\/h2>\n