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Tips for Getting Your Full Security Deposit Back

A man and woman tidying a room filled with boxes, organizing, and cleaning the space together.While getting your security deposit back may appear challenging, it’s fully achievable with the proper approach. Whether vacating an apartment or a rental property, keeping it spotless is crucial for receiving your full deposit.

Typically, landlords want a spotless rental for returning the full deposit, which can be challenging. We’ll offer key cleaning tips and strategies in this article to help you leave your rental spotless, impress your landlord, and ensure you get your deposit back with ease.

Tip #1: Read Your Lease

Your lease might not be the obvious source for cleaning tips. However, as a renter, your lease documents (including any addenda) likely contain information about your landlord’s expectations. Commonly, answers to whether carpets need professional cleaning, which areas will be inspected, and similar questions are in the lease.

Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist

Trustworthy landlords often provide a move-out checklist to tenants around the time they give notice of leaving. However, if your landlord did not provide one, you can easily find comprehensive cleaning checklists online. A cleaning checklist is essential to ensure you don’t forget any tasks, inside or in the yard. Neglecting small cleaning tasks can add up to large deductions from your deposit, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord

To reclaim your entire security deposit, adopt your landlord’s viewpoint. Keep in mind the initial condition of the property and aim to restore it to that level of cleanliness. If you need clarification, ask your landlord what they consider “clean” and what they expect. Keep in mind that the next occupant will expect cleanliness, so leave the property as you would want it if you were moving in.

Tip #4: Don’t Leave Stuff Behind

Tenants often leave behind belongings they no longer need or want in a rental property. Nonetheless, taking your unwanted junk to the curb or a thrift store requires minimal effort. Moreover, if you abandon your belongings, the landlord will likely bill you for their disposal. Thus, you’ll get a smaller portion of your security deposit back.

Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile

In the frenzy of moving out, the temptation to do minimal cleaning and cut corners can be strong. This approach might sometimes be sufficient, but usually, it leads to security deposit deductions for cleaning and repairs. If you can, dedicate a little more time to look over some details. As an example, fill nail holes with drywall putty, clean interior windows, and dust blinds and ceiling fans.

Adhering to these move-out cleaning tips will leave your landlord with little to complain about and no reason to withhold any of your security deposit for cleanliness.

Are you in the market for a new rental in Oviedo or close by? Real Property Management Vanguard provides the perfect home for you. Browse our listings or give us a call at 407-681-7802.

 

Originally Published on August 28, 2020

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