Moving can be stressful enough, but to worry about whether or not you are going to receive your security deposit or not will certainly increase your anxiety. The important thing to remember is that you are only entitled to the security deposit if the apartment you rented is in the same condition as when you first rented it. The following are three tips to help you insure that you will get your security deposit returned to you when you move out:
Clean-Clean-Clean
While cleaning is probably not on your list of favorite things to do, making sure the apartment is clean before you return the keys is a must if you expect to have your deposit returned to you. This means making sure the appliances and floors sparkle as well as having the rugs cleaned if needed. The cleaner you leave it will give more reason for your landlord to return the deposit.
Repairs
If you have broken anything in the apartment or put holes in the walls of the apartment, be sure to have all repairs done. Leaving anything broken, such as a window or a door, will give cause for the landlord to deduct the cost of repairing it from your security deposit. Do not worry about repainting, as most landlords consider repainting apartments before they are re-rented as part of the rental process. To be certain, be sure to check with your landlord before you move out.
Replacements
You also want to consider replacing certain things in your apartment if they have been worn down to the extreme that they either are no longer working properly or are not aesthetically pleasing. A good example of this is the window blinds. If you have damaged the blinds, replace them before you move out. The idea is to leave as little reason as possible for your landlord to keep all or even a portion of your security deposit.
Following the above tips, you can be sure that your landlord will quickly refund your security deposit back to you, and you may even find yourself with a great reference you can use on your next housing application.