If you are just like a lot of renters, you desire to get your security deposit back when you move out. But in fact, did you know that one of the very important means to guarantee that you do, is good property maintenance? Property repairs are among the principal reasons Brookland property managers withhold security deposit funds at the start. So it is indeed a very good idea to decrease the number of potential repairs that will need to be conducted after you move out. You can develop helpful habits as a renter to be certain that you leave the property in top condition and, especially, that you will get your security deposit refunded in full.
Document Everything
Getting your security deposit back starts before you move into your new rental home! This is because the condition of the house before you move is not technically your responsibility, but be aware, that if there is no record of pre-existing damage, your landlord may be able to shift any blame to you. Considering this, before you move in, you should walk slowly through every room of your new home and document every aspect of its condition. Plenty of landlords will furnish a walk-through checklist, which you should fill out and keep a copy of. Having said that, even if they don’t, make notes regarding any existing damage, it makes no difference how small, and potential repair and maintenance items. So really, take photos of everything in your notes! If a dispute does happen, this will be valid evidence to support your case.
Regular Deep Cleaning
One of the significant things you can do to be sure you get your security deposit back is to clean your rental home at scheduled times. The longer you stay in a home, the more important it will be to keep up with your cleaning regimen. Notwithstanding surface cleaning will keep some of the grime at bay in the short term, regular deep cleanings are mandatory if you plan to stay in your rental home long-term. Deep cleaning should include scrubbing grout, wiping down kitchen cabinets and ceiling fans, cleaning appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher), and doing basic appliance maintenance. Besides that, always don’t forget to clear hair from drains, change light bulbs, and dust blinds and ceiling fans. Doing these tasks consistently will help ensure your landlord doesn’t withhold any amount of your security deposit for cleaning after you’re gone.
Decorate with Care
Another means to up your chances of getting your full security deposit back is to be considerably cautious when you decorate your rental home. Making many different holes in the walls or making other permanent changes to the property can certainly cause more expensive repairs after moving out, all of which you will be held responsible for. Instead of trying to use nails or screws to hang up your décor items, it’s better to work with non-marking, removable fasteners. These hooks can hold items of distinct weights and sizes and can be easily removed without damaging the wall.
Think of putting coasters or pads underneath table legs, couches, and other monumental items to protect your floors while moving furniture in or out. Floor damage is really common and expensive to repair. Despite that, by planning and having the correct supplies, you can fend off gouging or scraping floors, or tearing carpet when moving furniture around.
Minimize Damage
If you have kids or pets living in your rental with you, it’s most important to always do as much as possible to minimize any damage they may cause. Both children and pets can be hard on a home’s painted walls and other surfaces, which conveys taking particular extra precautions. You might try positioning furniture or other items against the walls to guard them against scrapes, scratches, and stains. Rugs can help protect floors and extend a soft place for your little ones to take delight in. Or, it may be useful to designate certain areas of the house for pets or playtime so that any damage to walls or floors is limited to just a few rooms. Make use of quality cleaning materials, for instance, magic erasers to remove scuffs and rogue scribbles.
Communication is Key
One last important matter, it’s great to communicate consistently and straightforwardly with your landlord. It may seem counterintuitive to alert your landlord when maintenance issues are happening in the home, nonetheless, it’s certainly smart. When you tell your landlord about maintenance issues early on, they fix them at once. Performing maintenance or minor repairs can help hinder major repairs at a later time. Also, take note, that any damage noticed after you move out is your responsibility; but then again, during your lease, the landlord often pays for repairs while you still live in the home. By reporting maintenance issues, you can better establish you will get the whole security deposit back after moving out.
Seriously planning to move? Real Property Management DC Metro can certainly help! Contact us today or check out our listings online.
Originally Published on April 16, 2021
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