| You take on many expenses when moving. Putting a deposit down on your new place, paying start-up fees for electricity and phone services and paying movers to transport your items are just some of the fees you encounter during the moving process. Getting your security deposit back from the apartment you are vacating can be one way to mitigate your many moving expenses. However, sometimes this deposit is used up in full, leaving you without a reimbursement. To ensure you get your apartment security deposit back, you should be familiar with the policies described in your lease and work to meet all the requirements for getting your deposit back. Be sure to give appropriate notice about leaving in writing because not giving the right amount of notice can sometimes cause deposits to be rightfully retained.
In order to get your apartment security deposit back, you must leave your apartment in the condition you rented it in as nearly as possible. Some normal wear and tear is to be expected, but notable damage and dirt are common reasons that many apartment renters to not get their deposits back. To ensure you do, you must make repairs to any damages that occurred during your stay and clean your apartment thoroughly. Looking at your copy of your move-in checklist, in which the condition of each part of your apartment at the time you moved in is recorded, can help you determine if there are specific areas you need to address.
Don’t forget to tidy up the places you don’t clean regularly, such as the oven and the laundry room vent. Attention to detail, such as replacing the trays beneath the stove top burners and replacing any light bulbs that burned out, can be critical to getting your refund in full. Rental companies and homeowners can subtract even minor cleaning services and repairs from your deposit.
The first step to getting your deposit back is discovering or refreshing your memory as to what your rental office or landlord expects. Reviewing your lease and your move-in inspection can help you learn about lease refund requirements. If you don’t have these documents on hand, ask for copies. Asking how you can get your deposit back in person can also help you understand the requirements. (more…)