RentandLeaseHousing’s Blog

Ever get short changed on your security deposit for some bogus reason?

Here are some tips to safeguard your security deposit:

1) Make a list of any damages and imperfections

When moving into a new property, thoroughly exam each room and make a detailed list of any damages and imperfections. Use your digital camera and take pictures of your findings to further support the items on your list. There is a very good chance that you will not remember when moving out whether you caused the damage or the damage was done before you moved in.

Here are some major items to look for:

• Carpet stains or rips
• Paint imperfections or damage
• Hardwood floor damage or imperfections
• Bathroom tile damage
• Railing damage
• Drywall damage
• Nonfunctional appliances and electrical outlets

It would be a very good idea to have the landlord to sign off on your list just in case any discrepancies would arise when you move out.

2) Pay your security deposit with a check or money check – NOT CASH!

When giving your landlord the initial security deposit, it would be in your best interest to pay by check or money order. This creates a paper trail of when and how much you paid the landlord. On the other hand, if you pay the landlord in cash, it will be their word against your word.

It is a good idea to get a copy of the cancelled check from your bank. (Most banks allow you to print cancelled checks from the Internet) Keep a copy of your security deposit cancelled check in a folder or binder along with the lease agreement and initial list of damages. Keeping adequate records will make things a lot easier in the event any discrepancies between the landlord and you arise. Also, ask the landlord for a receipt for the security deposit. If you would have to go to court, a receipt plus a cancelled check will be more than enough evidence to support how much your security deposit was.

3) Take care of the property

The lease gives you temporary ownership in the property, so treat the property as you own it. This includes maintenance and making necessary small repairs. For example, if you inadvertently scrap a stairway wall moving in a sofa, ask the landlord if he has any extra paint so you can cover up the mark. Small repairs and maintenance will go a long way to ensure the property looks the same way as it did on the day you first rented it. However, if a major repair does arise, please do hesitate to contact the landlord to have him or her replace or repair the problem.

4) Clean the property (I know this one sounds ridiculous)

There is nothing more aggravating and annoying to a landlord then a tenant who vacates a property and leaves the property full of trash. It is the easiest way to lose your security deposit and it is very very avoidable! It is always advisable to clean the property while living in it (a vacuum and a dust rag will do wonders); nevertheless, at the very minimum, when you vacate the property, please take everything that moved in with you. The landlord will deduct the cost to remove your trash/stuff/junk from his or her property from your security deposit. You are only hurting yourself by leaving your trash behind.

To recap on how to safeguard your security deposit:

• Make a list of all damages and imperfections when moving in and have the landlord sign off on the list
• Pay the security deposit by check or money order, not cash
• Make necessary small repairs to keep the property looking in a similar fashion as when you first moved in
• Keep the property clean and take everything with you when you move out

Following these few steps will help ensure that you receive a full security deposit back when moving out of a property.