If you’re like most Oviedo renters, you don’t worry too much about how to clean your rental house when you move out. That is until the day comes, and you start to think about how badly you need to take your security deposit back. To get a full refund, most landlords expect you to leave the house as spotless as necessary. But that can raise enormous challenges. However, by using these five expert cleaning tips, you can effectively increase the possibilities of getting your security deposit back after you’ve moved out.
Tip #1: Read Your Lease
Perhaps your lease isn’t the first place you would usually go to find cleaning tips. Yet as a renter, the chances are that your lease documents (including addenda, if any) include language that can help you understand what your landlord’s expectations are. In many cases, you will find some information such as whether you want the carpets professionally cleaned, which areas of the house you want to check, etc.
Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist
Good landlords will typically send their tenants a move-out checklist if their tenants give notice that they are moving out. But even though yours didn’t, you can still discover loads of detailed cleaning checklists online. It’s imperative to use a checklist as you clean to guarantee that you don’t neglect things, both inside and out in the yard. Even small cleaning tasks missed might add up to big deductions on your security deposit, so it’s worth the effort.
Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord
Probably the proper way to get your entire security deposit back is to put yourself in your landlord’s shoes. Attempt to remember the condition the property was in when you moved in, and aim for that same level of cleanliness after you left the house. In case you have any inquiries, ask your landlord what their definition of “clean” is. It is important to keep in mind that the next tenant wants to move into a tidy home as well, so leave it just like you would want it if you were moving in, which is a good rule of thumb.
Tip #4: Don’t Leave Stuff Behind
It is very common for tenants to abandon personal property they no longer need or want in a rental house. But it’s not too much more effort to drag your unwanted junk to the curb or drop it off at a charity thrift shop. Furthermore, if you abandon your stuff on the property, the landlord will likely charge you for clean-up and removal of the items. That means a smaller security deposit returning to you.
Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile
In the confusion of moving out, it may be tempting to do the minimum amount of cleaning while cutting corners wherever you can. Although this can work in some circumstances, most of the time, that approach will lead to deductions from your security deposit for cleaning and repairs. If possible, give yourself a little more time to discuss some of the particulars. Fill nail holes with drywall putty, for example, or make sure you’ve cleaned interior windows and dusted the blinds and ceiling fans.
By following these move-out cleaning tips, you leave your landlord with very little to worry about and no reason not to give you your full security deposit back in regards to cleanliness.
Are you looking for a new rental? Real Property Management Vanguard has the perfect home for you. Check out our listings online or call us at 407-681-7802.
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