How to Get Your Security Deposit Back: A Tenant's Checklist
Getting the security deposit back when moving out of a rental property can be super helpful, whether upgrading to a better place or planning to buy a home. It is usually a hefty sum and can add to your financial cushioning. Now, are security deposits refundable always? They are if you adhere to the terms and conditions of the lease agreement and ensure there is no damage done to the property besides general wear and tear.
Hence, here’s a handy checklist to follow when your lease is about to end so the landlord is satisfied with the state of the rental and any other compliances. This will prevent disputes and stop you from stressing about questions like: Are security deposits for a contract of the house refundable?
Tenant Checklist to Get Security Deposit Back Easily
The following tips and tricks can help you get your entire deposit back without negotiation, argument, or unpleasantness.
- Go Through the Lease Agreement
Read the lease closely, and don’t miss out on any fine print or subtle clauses that affect your probability of getting the security deposit back (partially or entirely). Usually, most leases require you to leave the rental in a clean condition with no damages, but a few might ask you to repaint the walls or fill in holes that you drilled for hanging drapes or paintings.
2. Examine the Move-In Checklist
Generally, when you move into any rental, the landlord supplies a checklist that mentions the furniture, appliances, or any other objects inside the property and any damages or inconsistencies that were there before. Before moving out, examine this tenant checklist so you are not unduly charged for anything.
For instance, if there was a crack in a bathroom tile before you moved in, you shouldn’t have to shell out money from the security deposit for its repair when moving out.
3. Notify the Landlord Beforehand
To get security deposit back without hassle, notify the landlord about your intention to move out well in advance. Usually, you need to give a heads-up before 30 days in most places, but check your lease agreement just to be sure.
4. Start Decluttering and Packing Early On
This will help you leave the rental property neat and clean without any last-minute stress. Decide what you wish to sell, donate, or discard, and sort accordingly. Source packing supplies in advance, like packing paper and tape, boxes, bubble wrap, etc.
5. Do a Thorough Cleaning
Are security deposits refundable for housing? The answer is usually yes, but it depends mainly on
what shape you leave the property behind. If you don’t have the time to clean the place, get professional help after informing the landlord. Rental property cleaning usually includes the following:
Kitchen: Cleaning countertops, sinks, appliances, and space around them, clearing the fridge, mopping the floor, wiping the backsplash and shelves, unclogging drains, etc.
Bedroom: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, clearing out closets, removing hooks or nails from walls and ceiling, removing wallpaper, painting over furniture scuff marks, etc.
Living room: Cleaning scuff marks on floor and walls, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the fireplace (if any), etc.
Bathroom: Cleaning shelves, mirrors, vanity counter, sanitizing toilet, sink, and tub, wiping cabinets. Clearing mold and grout, unclogging drains, cleaning exhaust fans, replacing tiles if needed, etc.
Others: Cleaning and clearing outdoor areas, replacing worn fixtures or burnt-out bulbs, removing trash, turning off lights, etc. 6. Handle Repairs
To get your security deposit back without much ado, take care of any repairs you are responsible for. For example, if a door handle broke during your stay, a cabinet door cracked, or the microwave stopped working, fix it. Even if your lease doesn’t mention it, plugging holes you made for installing rods, extra lights, or hanging photos can make a favorable impression on the landlord.
7. Settle All Utility Bills
Whether you were paying for electricity, gas, water, cable, or the internet, settle all bills before moving out. There should be no outstanding charges. Make copies of the final receipts as proof.
8. Don’t Leave Behind Anything
To get security deposit back in full, remove everything from the rental property that is not supposed to be there in your absence. Even if it is a pack of tissues, a few hangers, or a set of spoons, take it with you so the landlord doesn’t have to get rid of it or pay someone for the same.
9. Request a Move-Out Inspection
Usually, landlords schedule the inspection to ensure you adhere to the rental agreement terms and are leaving the property in a proper state. Even if they don’t, request for an inspection from your side. This way, both of you will be on the same page, and you can take care of any additional cleaning or repair tasks if required. Document any concerns as well.
10. Take Photos Before Moving Out
Capture photos and videos of the property just before moving out so you have proof of the condition you are leaving. If you have conducted any repairs, take pictures of them specifically. The date and time should be easy to spot on these photos. This will prevent the landlord from making any undue deductions before giving your security deposit back.
11. Hand Back All Keys
Don’t forget to return the keys to the property’s entrance, garage, closets, shed, or any other structure to the landlord before moving out. The same goes for any remote controls.
Conclusion
Now that you know the steps to fully refund your security money, how long does a landlord have to return a deposit? In Minnesota, you can expect to receive the deposit in 21 days maximum.
However, check the lease agreement for more certainty. Also, if you don’t want to handle the stress of getting the security deposit back on your own, seek the help of reputed
to find a good place available for leasing. They can handle everything from move-in to move-out.
The best
apartment management companies in Minnesota
can also offer you essential advice before you sign a lease agreement. They can also guide you smartly so you don’t suffer any deductions or face legal hassles when moving out of a rental property.
Choose Guardian Property Management for Smooth Move-In and Move-Out
At
, we realize how challenging it can be to find the right rental property for your needs, handle the documentation during move-in and move-out, and get security deposit back. This is why we feature the best vacancies on our website and offer professional advice at every step of your tenancy.
Connect with Guardian Property Management
Send us an email at
or ring us at 651-287-2011.
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