Mini Tip: Getting Your Security Deposit Back

Most renters have to pay a security deposit before moving into a rental property. What exactly does this do? This helps landlords balance out the possibility of paying out of pocket to fix damages that you incurred during your stay. What’s the best way to make sure you get your money back?

• Clean. This applies to pretty much everything. Kitchen appliances, windows, the bathroom, everything. This way, your landlord won’t have to hire a cleaning service to do what would take you an hour or less to do.
• Spackle and paint any holes in the walls from the pictures and posters you had on the walls.
• Gather all the keys to the property and promptly return them to the landlord when your lease is up.
• If applicable, take final meter readings so your landlord doesn’t try to squeeze any extra money out of you.
• Arrange an inspection with the landlord. Come to an agreement that the space has met his or her expectations.
• Before moving out, be sure to take pictures of everything from the floors, walls, appliances, and whatever else is pertinent to you. This documents the condition of your place when you move out.

 If you leave your rental in better condition then you found it, and your landlord still does not return your security deposit, then know the relevant laws and decide the appropriate action to take if needed.

[caption id="attachment_1200" align="alignnone" width="270"] Inspect your apartment with your landlord[/caption]