While getting your security deposit back may appear challenging, it’s fully achievable with the proper approach. Whether you’re leaving an apartment or a rental house, making sure it’s clean is essential for a full deposit return.
Generally, landlords expect the rental to be immaculate for a full deposit return, which can be tough. This article will provide essential cleaning tips and strategies to leave your rental in excellent condition, impress your landlord, and boost your chances of getting your deposit back without hassle.
Tip #1: Read Your Lease
The lease agreement may not be where you’d first look for cleaning advice. However, as a renter, your lease documents (including any addenda) likely contain information about your landlord’s expectations. Typically, your lease will provide answers to whether carpets need professional cleaning, which parts will be inspected, and so forth.
Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist
Dependable landlords typically give tenants a move-out checklist when they inform them of their move. Yet, if your landlord did not offer one, numerous detailed cleaning checklists can be found online. Referring to a checklist while you clean is important to make sure you don’t miss any areas inside or outside. Neglecting small cleaning tasks can add up to large deductions from your deposit, so it’s definitely worth the effort.
Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord
A great way to ensure you receive your full security deposit is to think like your landlord. Reflect on the property’s original cleanliness and ensure it looks the same when you move out. Should you have any doubts, inquire with your landlord about what they mean by “clean” and what they expect. Think about how the next tenant will want a clean space, and leave it as you would want to move into it.
Tip #4: Don’t Leave Stuff Behind
Tenants commonly leave their unwanted belongings in rental properties. However, it takes little extra effort to move your unwanted items to the curb or donate them to a thrift store. Also, if you leave your stuff, the landlord is likely to charge you for its removal and cleanup. Thus, you’ll get a smaller portion of your security deposit back.
Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile
During the hectic process of moving out, you might feel inclined to do the bare minimum cleaning and take shortcuts. Even if this approach works occasionally, it generally leads to deductions from your security deposit for cleaning and repairs. If you can, dedicate a little more time to look over some details. Patch nail holes with drywall putty, and ensure you’ve cleaned interior windows and dusted blinds and ceiling fans.
Use these move-out cleaning tips to leave your landlord with almost nothing to complain about and no reason to deduct from your security deposit for cleanliness.
Are you in the market for a new rental in Davidson or close by? Real Property Management Experts provides the perfect home for you. Browse our listings or give us a call at 704-220-0110.
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