One of the most common questions that we get from our tenants is “How do I get my security deposit back?”
Getting your security deposit back is a legitimate concern for a lot of renters.  Aside from the typical cleaning, there are some key factors that renters should know about to protect themselves and their money.
1. Document the Condition of the Apartment BEFORE Moving In.
We encourage our tenants to do a meticulous walk through before moving in. Using a checklist, detail the condition of each room in the apartment. Photograph and make note of any flaws that exists already (broken towel bars, cupboards that don’t close all the way, blemishes on the walls, scratches in the wood, etc).
2. Notify us of any problems before you move in.
Once you have documented any issues with your apartment, no matter how small, please bring them to our attention! We need to be made aware of any problems our tenants on the property before moving in or during your lease period.
We understand that problems arise, and it is better to be on the same page from beginning to end. Developing a mutual understanding of what you may be responsible for is an essential part of any lessee/lessor relationship. In fact, we give two full weeks from the time you move in to notify us of any issues with the rental. We can decide together whether it is something that needs to be fixed or just noted on the agreement so that you are not held responsible for the damage.
3. Maintain and clean your living space.
There is a famous saying that goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.†This certainly applies to renters. Take preventative measures to avoid unnecessary hassle when you move out. Take care of the carpets, clean up stains before they set, clean the bathrooms and the kitchen on a regular basis to prevent mold and mildew, etc. Do not wait until the last week to fix everything that may have been broken during your lease. Make it a goal to leave the apartment or house in better condition than how you found it.
4. Do the Walk-Through.
At the end of the lease, the hands-down safest bet for getting back the security deposit is to do a walk-through. We will discuss problem areas and give the renter the opportunity to correct any issues, or quote a price for a third party to do so. The typical rate for cleaning from our cleaners is around $30/hour. We can tell you approximately how long we think it will take, and work with you to find the best solution for everyone. We highly recommend scheduling this walk through a week in advance of the end of the lease to ensure a time that works best for your schedule.
5. Prepare for the Unavoidable.
It is our practice to clean the carpets and drapes between each renter. This is unfortunately a cost that cannot be avoided, no matter how strict your “No Shoes†policy. However, the good news is, like our cleaning service, we have agreements with carpet cleaners in town that are typically half of what a renter might pay on their own.
Ultimately, we want our renters to be happy with their home. If you feel that you are not being treated fairly, or that the rental is not up to par, we want to know about it. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We have a variety of avenues for our renters to reach us – you can use the Contact Us page of our website, Facebook Page, or call us directly at (541) 485-7776.
