If you have ever rented an apartment you know what an awful experience moving out can be. The most annoying and stressful part of leaving a rental for me has always been trying to make sure I don’t get scammed out of my security deposit. I put together this list of tips to help you make sure you get that deposit back, even if your apartment hasn’t weathered the storm very well.
Let’s start with the basics.
1. Before you move in:
There is nothing worse than losing your security deposit for a stupid reason so the following are things you should look into to avoid being scammed:
- Google the landlord, leasing company, property name etc. Know that you are dealing with legit people. Make sure to check the Better Business Bureau.
- Read the lease fully. In fact, make changes to it if you see fit, it is within your rights.
- Make the landlord give you a detailed list of the condition of every room in your apartment if they refuse, do it yourself. This is the single most important way to protect yourself from having to pay for a previous tenants mistakes. TAKE PICTURES!
- Finally, use this as a guide: http://www.rentiowa.com
2. While you live there:
No one is 100% clean, and the law recognizes this. Apartments do not have to look the same or be in the same condition as when you moved in, but they do have to be close, so keep this in mind while you live there. The following are what is allowed for, and what your landlord is justified in taking out of your security deposit.
ALLOWED:
- Some matting of the carpet.
- A few nail holes (This doesn't include big gouges from where you tried to hang a giant mirror with 16-penny nails).
- Fading or yellowing of the paint.
NOT ALLOWED:
- Stains and burns on the carpet.
- Broken windows.
- Broken or missing blinds.
- Gouges in the doors and walls.
- Flea infestations caused by your pet.
- Pet scratches on the molding and on or around doors.
3. Fixing it up: Just before you move out:
Before moving out of your dorm or apartment it is important to make sure you repair damage done
while you lived there. The following are some likely issues, and their solutions.
THE PROBLEM: Large holes or gashes in walls or doors.
THE FAST/CHEAP FIX: Toothpaste
- Apply the toothpaste to the hole
- Fill the hole
- Use a flat surface to even it out and flatten it
- No more hole
THE RIGHT FIX:
- Small Holes: Spread Spackle Compound into and around Hole.
- Larger Holes:
THE PROBLEM: Carpet Stains/Burns
THE FAST/CHEAP FIX:
- Stains:
- Interesting idea for the always impossible Wax Stain:
THE RIGHT FIX:
- Rent a carpet cleaner:
- Use these Ultimate Stain Removal Guides:
THE PROBLEM: Wood Floor Water Stains
THE FAST/EASY/CHEAP/RIGHT FIX:
Now that you have fixed all potential problems that could cost you some or all of that deposit, you need to make sure your landlord isn’t going to bilk you out of money. The best way to do this is to go through the checklist you used when you moved in, and retake pictures, so if necessary you can show a before/after comparison. Aside from damage to the apartment, make sure you thoroughly clean before leaving if you have not given your landlord a non-refundable cleaning fee. Many landlords love to tack on extra cleaning fees. You don’t want to have to pay $25 for them to vacuum the carpet or $10 for sweeping a tiny bathroom after you have left. If you have paid a non-refundable cleaning fee, don’t worry much about thoroughly cleaning, just sweep up and make sure you don't leave anything behind.
So What if...You've done everything right and your landlord is still trying to take your money?
- Know your rights. Every state has different laws regarding just how much leeway both renters and landlords are given. Do check your state Attorney General web site to see what kind of protections are afforded to you.
- Write your complaints down in the form of letters and send copies to an attorney.
- Don't let the landlord make you feel petty. If they try say something like, "It's only $100!" ask them why it's so important for them to take such a small sum away from you.
- Keep as much of the communication in writing as possible. Verbal agreements (and disagreements) simply don't offer enough proof.
- If you do decide to take a landlord to small claims court, if only to fight what you see as injustice (and keep in mind that if you win, you might be able to get your court fees paid for), do let them know ahead of time. This might avoid the hassle of actually going to court.
- If you don't get your money back, do make sure to publicize your experience. Be reasonable, but if you truly believe that you were screwed over, let other people know.
Stick to this guide and you should have a smooth transition from your apartment to wherever you live next. Oh, and don’t do either of the following:
- Get a lot of cats:
- Experiment with gravity:
