How to Get Your Rental Security Deposit Returned

Posted on Jul 9, 2009 by Whistlebury Properties

The moral of the story is to maintain accurate documentation in order to protect yourself and work to keep your living conditions clean.

This post presents general guidelines to follow in a systematic way to get your security deposit back in your rental.**

1. When you move in, make sure you do a thorough move-in inspection with your landlord. This is your chance to point out any damage and document it. I would go so far as taking pictures of problem areas, and make sure you have a copy of the inspection just in case your landlord loses it.

2. Review and keep a copy of your lease. Scan it to see if it defines “normal wear and tear.” The general rule is that you are not responsible for normal wear and tear. For example, if the dishwasher must be replaced because it has simply worn out, that’s the landlord’s responsibility. See this chart for cleaning and repairs a landlord can deduct from a security deposit.

3. Number three is a vital step in ensuring you get your security deposit back: keep your apartment or rental property in great shape. It’ll behoove you because it’ll improve your living conditions, and the landlord will have no reason to keep your money.

4. Call the landlord or office right when you need something repaired. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to get that ceiling fan motor replaced for several reasons. If you wait until the end of your lease, the repair(wo)men will be too busy to fix it in a timely manner. Also, if the item is not repaired during your move-out inspection you don’t want your landlord to hold you responsible. Even if it was something he/she is normally apt to fix. (Move out time is stressful for everyone!)

5. When it’s time to move out and clean up for your move-out inspection review your move-in inspection. Create a checklist of the things your landlord is going to review. Call them to make sure you have the correct information and see if there is anything else you are expected to have cleaned. Sometimes this may be priming the walls, spackling holes, or getting carpets cleaned. Ask the landlord how much will be deducted from your deposit if you were to not fix or clean these things, and then decide what is more economical for you. I can assure you, buying a $3 lightbulb at Lowe’s is going to save you money! On the other hand, paying $30 to your landlord and having them clean your carpets might be worth not having to schedule Stanley Steamer. On the same note, you can buy the stove burner drip pans for less than $20 at Wal-mart. That will also save you some money to take care of that one yourself.

6. By law, landlords are required to return security deposits within one month after your move-out inspection.

The moral of the story is to maintain accurate documentation in order to protect yourself and work to keep your living conditions clean. Always be polite, friendly, and get to know the office staff. Making those connections could help you in the long run.

**This list is a general guideline for any rental property or apartment. If you are a resident of any Whistlebury Property, please contact your leasing office to understand its protocol for security deposits.

Tagged: rental deposit, security deposit, security deposit return, getting your security deposit back, apartment deposit

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