By John Brown
A security deposit is a money you give to your landlord or landlady to show your intention of moving in and your capability to care for the home or apartment you’ll be renting. A rental security deposit is usually worth a month’s rent, which can be expensive for some people.
If you need help with your security deposit, you can request a security deposit loan from online lending platforms. Lenders from such platforms can approve your loan in minutes and disburse it at their earliest convenience.
When you move out of your rental, you must do everything to ensure you get your full security deposit back. Landlords often withhold deposits for damages during a tenant’s stay, even if the damage is not necessarily the tenant’s fault. Following these tips can minimize any chances of losing your deposit and make the moving process a little bit easier!
Review Your Rental Agreement
This is the first step you need to take to ensure that you get your full deposit back when moving out. Make sure you’re clear on the expectations before moving in to avoid any damages that may result in the loss of your deposit. Your rental agreement should spell out what damages are considered normal wear and tear and what aren’t.
Give Appropriate Notice to Move-Out
Be sure to give your landlord the appropriate notice before you move out. This will give them time to prepare for your departure and make any necessary repairs. It will also allow them to find a new tenant to fill your unit, which can help offset the cost of damages you may have caused.
Repair Damages
If any damages need to be repaired, make sure you do so before you move out. This will show your landlord that you’re taking responsibility for the damages and are willing to fix them. It’s also a good tip to keep receipts for any repairs, as this can help prove that you did not cause the damage.
Deep Clean the Place
When you move out, it’s essential to leave the unit in the same condition that it was in when you moved in. This means giving it a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Landlords often charge for professional cleaning services, so if you can do it yourself, you’ll save money and increase your chances of getting your full deposit back.
Give the Keys Back
Make sure you give your landlord the keys to the unit when you move out. If you don’t, they may charge you for the price of changing the locks on any missing keys. When we say keys, we mean each key given, including house keys, mailbox keys, and gate keys.
Leave a Forwarding Address
It seems like a no-brainer, but leaving a forwarding address will ensure that you get your deposit back, especially if your landlord sends your money via a check instead of a direct deposit. However, if you neglect to do this, don’t worry. You can call or email your landlord to inform them where you want to receive your money.
Take Pictures and Videos for Proof
Before you move out, take pictures or videos of the unit to document its condition. This will give evidence of the unit’s state if there are any disputes about damages later on. Also, take pictures of any damages already present when you moved in so that your landlord can’t hold you responsible for them.
Ask for the Deposit Back
After you’ve followed all of these tips, it’s time to ask your landlord for your deposit back. There are rental laws in place that protect your right to receive your security deposit back upon your request. Your landlord may forget to give it back, so you should proactively request it. If they fail to give you the money within the time frame allowed in your state, it’s time to send a follow-up letter or email to ensure that they haven’t forgotten.
Conclusion
Moving out of a rental unit can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the steps above to lessen the risk of losing your security deposit and make moving out much smoother.
Author’s Bio:
John is a financial analyst but also a man of different interests. He enjoys writing about money and giving financial tips, but he can also dive into relationships, sports, gaming, and other topics. Lives in New York with his wife and a cat.
