As a renter, you want your living space to be pleasant. This includes, for many, the addition of decorative elements that help personalize a residence. Nevertheless, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on the amount of your security deposit that you receive returned.
Typically, your lease specifies which alterations are permitted and which require permission from your landlord. But if you’re unsure, you can unintentionally make modifications that cause your security deposit to be deducted later on.
The lines between what is permitted and what is not must be understood. Find out how to avoid losing your security deposit by choosing decorator-friendly options and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Due to damage from renters’ decorating decisions, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. Additionally, the damage must be significant enough to necessitate restorations. For instance, if you mounted heavy artwork or shelves that left large holes in the walls, used adhesives that damaged the paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that caused physical damage to the property, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit.
The deduction will be proportional to the extent of the damage. To avoid disputes over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully review the terms of your lease and comprehend the requirements for interior design and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Assume that your lease agreement required you to return the property to its original condition at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related modifications. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.
The ability to paint the interior of a rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. Given how simple it is to add your own style to a room or your entire house by changing the paint color, it makes sense why this is a popular worry.
However, prior to picking up a paintbrush, you must first consult your lease agreement or communicate with your landlord. According to numerous leases, you are required to return the house in the same state that you found it in, including the wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If the restrictions of your lease agreement regarding decor choices were followed without the landlord’s prior approval (e.g., no painting or nailing things to the wall), the security deposit may be withheld as a result. The provisions of your lease would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of decoration. Many renters do not consider the potential wall damage caused by the installation of framed artwork, mounted televisions, and other wall-mounted decorative items. The cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse, and even a few nail holes in a wall might lower the amount of the security deposit that is reimbursed.
To avoid losing your deposit, it is crucial to plan your decor with the final result in mind. You could choose hangers without nails or avoid wall hangings altogether. Large artwork or televisions can be placed on an accent tables or cabinets without causing damage to the wall.
Excessive Wear and Tear
It is normal for a rental property to experience wear and strain over the course of a tenancy. However, if your choice of decor causes excessive damage, such as weighty furniture causing damage to the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may retain a portion of your security deposit to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it is advisable to move heavy furniture with assistance and to position protective material underneath, such as a blanket or moving pad. Consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom of your furniture if you frequently rearrange it to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause damage.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord has the right to take a portion of your security deposit to pay for cleaning costs if your decorating choices or general living habits cause the property to be excessively dirty or in need of repair beyond normal wear and tear.
When renting a home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out, therefore when decorating, keep in mind that you’ll need to return the house or apartment to its original condition. The fewer repairs required, the more likely it is that your security deposit will be returned in its entirety.
Check your lease agreement carefully, and if necessary, ask your landlord to explain why they’re retaining your security deposit. You can contest the deductions legally if you believe they are unlawful or don’t follow local regulations. Documenting the property’s condition when you moved in and out can aid your case when contesting the deductions. In addition, it is advisable to communicate with your landlord in order to comprehend their reasoning and possibly reach a resolution.
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Originally Published on September 10, 2021
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