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Although many of us grew up being told to strive towards homeownership, the benefits of renting can’t be denied. Being able to move on short notice and not having to worry about tending to upkeep and maintenance are just a couple of the advantages to renting over owning. However, this doesn’t mean that you can cause considerable damage to rental properties and not expect to pay for it. To help ensure this, most property owners require tenants to put forth security deposits when they move in. The less damage is done to the property at the time of a tenant’s departure, the more of this deposit they can expect to get back. So, if you’ll soon be vacating a rental property and wish to get back as much of your security deposit as possible, put the following pointers to good use.
Compile A List Of Existing Damages When Moving In
Renters who are serious about getting their deposits back should be vigilant about recording existing damage to the property long before moving out. In fact, you should begin documenting assorted problems both before and during the move-in process. For example, the previous tenant may have left a number of small damages behind that escaped the landlord’s gaze, and making them aware of this in an expedient fashion can help ensure that you don’t get stuck paying for problems created by someone else. So, when doing your initial walkthrough of the property, record any damages you come across, regardless of how insignificant they may seem. Next, show this list to the landlord and obtain written confirmation that they are aware of the problems you listed. While this may strike you as cumbersome, it will considerably help your chances of getting your deposit back.
Have Issues Addressed As They Arise
One of the biggest advantages renting holds over owning is that renters generally aren’t financially responsible for maintenance. For example, if you have a clogged drain, bad wiring, or defective appliance, you should be able to have these issues addressed at no personal cost. However, if you allow such issues to linger, they’re liable to snowball into much larger problems – problems that stand to cost you your security deposit.
With this in mind, make a point of having every maintenance issue that springs up addressed in a timely manner. In addition to helping protect your security deposit, this will make your overall quality of life more comfortable. Once again, take care to obtain written confirmation that your landlord was made aware of any maintenance issues you reported.
Be Mindful Of The Property
While it may seem like a no-brainer, being mindful of the property is one of the most effective ways to guarantee the return of your security deposit. Among other things, this entails doing your best to avoid staining carpeting, making holes in walls, and allowing mold to form on grout and tiling. In the event that your carpeting incurs stains, you may want to consider having it steam-cleaned prior to your landlord’s walkthrough. Red River Valley residents in the market for a dependable steam-cleaning service should reach out to Steamatic of the Red River Valley. As an added precaution, consider investing in a good renters insurance policy, since homeowners insurance can’t be applied to rental properties.
Furthermore, if you have a pet, you’ll need to keep a watchful eye on them. Some landlords are particularly disdainful of tenants whose pets cause damage to their property, and if you’re a pet owner, you can bet that your landlord is going to meticulously inspect your residence in advance of your departure.
Be A Good Tenant
Unsurprisingly, many landlords are more likely to return security deposits to responsible tenants than problematic ones. With this in mind, try to conduct yourself as a model tenant throughout the duration of your residency. This means keeping up with rent, avoiding confrontations with neighbors, and remaining on friendly terms with your landlord. The easier you make your landlord’s job, the more likely they are to overlook minor damages when it comes time for you to move out.
The better you treat a rental property, the more likely your landlord is to return your security deposit when your tenancy comes to an end. Conversely, if you cause considerable damage to the property, you shouldn’t expect to get much, if any, of the said deposit back. So, if the return of your security deposit is what you’re after, take care to consider the previously discussed measures when it comes time to move.
