Be sure to get your deposit money back by following these 10 tips
As you prepare to move out of your old rental home, getting your deposit money back is probably at the forefront of your mind. A little time and work can make all the difference in how much you end up getting back, and how quickly you get it. Follow these steps to ensure you’re getting as much of your deposit back as possible.
1. Review your lease agreement.
Chances are, there’s a portion of your lease agreement that details what you can expect back in terms of deposit, and what conditions need to be met in order to get the most back possible. For example, some rental companies will always charge you the fee for carpet cleaning upon vacating the unit, so spending the time and money to do it yourself would be a waste.
2. Gather your cleaning and repair supplies.
Hitting a discount or dollar store for supplies before you get started is a good idea. Make sure your list includes sponges, a general surface cleaner, garbage bags, putty (for filling nail holes) and lots of paper towels. Also a smart buy are the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, which can take scuffs, pen marks, and other similar stains off of almost any hard surface.
3. Fix damages.
Remove all nails or hooks from walls, and patch over them with putty. Replace light bulbs and batteries that are in need, and make sure you check the smoke detectors as well. If you painted any of the walls any color other than the original, paint them back to the color they were when you moved in.
4. Clean clean clean!
Clean each bathroom and the kitchen top to bottom, including the shower and any large appliances. Clean the stove and refrigerator well, wash down any walls that need it, and sweep and mop the floors as a final task.
5. Remove everything.
Landlords will charge a “disposal fee” for anything left over in the unit, whether leftover personal items of yours, or even garbage or cleaning supplies. Get every last bit out of there to avoid this fine.
6. Document with pictures.
Hopefully, you took pictures of the state you received the unit in when you moved in, and documented any existing issues to the property. Additionally, take pictures of each and every room in full light, clearly depicting the state in which you left the unit upon departing.
7. Have a final walkthrough with your landlord.
Once you’ve got everything in tip-top shape, arrange for the landlord to do a final walkthrough with you. Have a document handy that they can sign, agreeing that you are leaving the property in good condition.
8. Follow up.
Typically, a landlord has 30 days to get a list of itemized charges, and the remainder of your deposit, back to you. If you haven’t heard back, contact your landlord in writing regarding the status of your refund. If you still hear nothing after a few weeks, consider contacting your attorney or theirs.
9. Know your rights if you need to dispute.
If you receive a bill that seems way out of line and full of made-up charges, do your research into both state and city laws regarding your rights as a renter. Laws vary widely from state to state, and a simple check online, or with the State Attorney General, can go a long way toward assurance that you aren’t getting steamrolled.
10. Get and keep everything in writing.
Ensuring that you have all communications, both positive and negative, in writing is extremely important in the unfortunate instance that you end up having to go to small claims court to get your deposit back.
Despite any differences of opinion that may come up over charges, keep all communications respectful from your side as well. If you do have to go to court, you’ll have written proof as evidence and this will reflect well for you in front of a judge.
Need more money-saving tips? Read our article about how to pack alone and save money.
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY Moving, a local and long-distance moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.