So you’re moving out. Exciting, stressful, probably a mix of both. And now you’re wondering how to make sure your landlord doesn’t hold onto that security deposit like it’s their personal savings account. And so you should! The good news? There are things you can do to seriously up your chances of getting every last penny back. Let’s look at the best ways to make sure you actually get your security deposit back.
Take pics of everything when you move in
Real talk. This should have been done when you first moved in, but if you skipped it, no worries. If you’re heading into a new place, though, learn from this. Snap pics of everything. Every scratch, stain, and weird dent in the floor. Some landlords act chill, then magically spot a tiny crack in the tile and slap you with a bill. Having those before-and-after receipts? Huge lifesaver.
Give the place a deep clean
I get it. Packing is exhausting and cleaning is the last thing you want to deal with. But hear me out…most landlords will charge some kind of “cleaning fee” if they think you left even a speck of dust behind. So put on your favourite playlist, grab some supplies, and go all in, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. And if scrubbing isn’t your vibe, hiring a cleaner might still be cheaper than whatever your landlord will charge.
Fix the little stuff yourself
That tiny hole in the wall from your botched attempt at hanging a picture? Patch it up. Broken blinds? Swap them out. Landlords love hiring overpriced maintenance crews and passing the bill straight to you. Fixing the small things yourself can save you a ridiculous amount of money.
Check for pests
Bugs happen. Even in the cleanest places. If you’ve had any creepy crawlers hanging around, deal with them now. Not only do you want to avoid being charged for a pest infestation, but it’s just plain unsanitary. Look for signs of pests around your property now and as you’re leaving for good. If you think you might have an issue, call an exterminator before they do. It’s way cheaper that way.
Don’t forget about the carpet
Carpets hold onto everything. That coffee spill you swore was invisible? It’s still there. If your place has carpet, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring someone to freshen it up. Some leases even require professional carpet cleaning before you move out, so double-check your agreement.
Return the keys and actually tell them you’re leaving
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Give your notice of moving in writing, keep proof of it, and don’t forget to return every single key. Some landlords will deduct money just because you forgot the mailbox key. Seriously. Follow these steps and you’ll have a much better shot at getting your deposit back without a fight. And if your landlord still tries to play games? Stand your ground. It’s your money, and you deserve to get it back.
Featured image from Pexels.
