Like most tenants, you likely aim to reclaim your security deposit after vacating. Did you know that taking good care of the property is essential for ensuring the return of your security deposit?
Necessary property repairs are a significant reason landlords and property managers withhold security deposit funds. It’s sensible to lessen the number of repairs that might be needed after your departure.
Keep a record of your walk-through checklist
While you’re not responsible for the house’s condition before moving in, the landlord could attribute any undocumented damages to you. Because of this, ensure you check every room and document the home’s state before moving in.
Make sure to fill out and keep a copy of the walk-through checklist provided by your landlord. Should your landlord not provide a checklist, make notes of any existing damage, no matter how small, and any necessary repairs. Also, take pictures of everything you note. This can be beneficial if a dispute comes up later.
Maintain the cleanliness of your rental
Keeping your rental home consistently clean boosts the likelihood of getting your security deposit back. The longer you live in the rental, the more essential it is to keep up with your cleaning routine.
Though surface cleaning controls grime short-term, deep cleaning is necessary for long-term residency. A thorough deep clean should cover scrubbing grout, wiping kitchen cabinets and ceiling fans, cleaning appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher), and maintaining appliances.
Don’t forget to remove hair from drains, change light bulbs, and dust blinds and ceiling fans. Consistently doing these tasks will help ensure your landlord doesn’t deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit.
Practice caution when decorating
For the best chance of getting your full security deposit back, decorate your rental home carefully. Refrain from putting numerous holes in the walls or making permanent alterations to avoid expensive repairs for which you would be liable.
Non-marking, removable fasteners are a better choice than nails or screws for hanging décor items. They can hold décor of various weights and sizes and are usually removable without wall damage.
Place coasters or pads beneath table legs, couches, and other heavy furniture to safeguard your floors during moves. Floor damage is a frequent and costly issue; planning ahead and using suitable supplies can help you avoid scraping floors or tearing carpets during furniture moves.
Minimize damage by pets or children
Kids or pets in your rental require you to take steps to reduce potential damage to painted walls and other surfaces.
Consider positioning furniture or other items against walls to shield them from scrapes, scratches, and stains. Rugs can safeguard floors and offer a soft spot for your children to play.
It’s useful to designate specific areas for pets or playtime to confine any damage to a few rooms. Utilize high-quality cleaning products, such as magic erasers, to remove scuffs and scribbles.
Promptly report issues to the landlord
Make sure to communicate with your landlord regularly and truthfully. Reporting maintenance problems to your landlord promptly enables quick resolution. Addressing maintenance or minor repairs early can help avoid major repairs down the line.
Any damages identified after you vacate are your responsibility. Repair costs are usually covered by the landlord during your lease. Reporting maintenance issues can help secure the return of your full security deposit after you move out.
Thinking of moving? Real Property Management TradeWinds can help you find the ideal home in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Contact us now for tailored assistance, or check out our available rentals to explore your choices.
Originally published: August 19, 2022
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