5 Ways to Get Your Rent Deposit Back
Getting your rent deposit back after you move may feel like an impossible feat, but it isn’t. It is your right to get a refund but you have to play it smart to stay ahead of rogue agents out to fleece you. Don’t leave it up to chance, follow these tips to get your money back.
Document Everything
Wear & tear arguments happen all the time, photograph everything in the rental property to serve as proof of the property’s condition. While photo documentation is great, sometimes it’s not enough.
Take a video tour of the unit when you first move in and again when you move out.
If the property manager tries to keep your deposit, your video will serve as proof that you kept the rental in quality condition. Make it very hard for them to argue with you.
Organize Your Paperwork
You know all of those rental-related documents you received when you moved in? Read them thoroughly and keep all of them in one place. Research the proper procedures for ending your rental agreement, and comply with them.
Always keep a record of each time you contacted your property manager for reporting maintenance requests & save all emails or texts for future reference.
Call your Landlord
Confirm how far in advance you need to alert your landlord about your decision to move out. While your rental agreement may already note this, a quick conversation serves as both a helpful confirmation and a courtesy to your landlord.
Research the proper procedures for ending your rental agreement, and comply with them. This will save you from unpleasant suprises that are the norm when moving out
Repair Broken Fixtures
Rogue agents will charge a premium for door handles, sockets & hinges so you’re better off just replacing them yourself.
Small repairs like replacing light bulbs, filling nail holes and unclogging drains make a huge difference.
Keep the receipts for every fixture as proof of your work incase verification is needed.
Hire a handyman if needed to avoid doing a shoddy job
Do an Inspection with your Agent
Ask your agent to do an unofficial inspection before your move-out date.
This not only helps you assess what needs fixing but also allows both of you to get on the same page about what needs additional repairs.
Once you know who’s responsible for what, you can fix any issue that occurred during your occupancy.
Give yourself a few days between this inspection and your move-out day so you have time to correct anything your landlord may be unhappy with.
If you live in a large apartment complex with many tenants moving in & out, having your paperwork in order makes it easy for the agent to run the necessary checks, process your lease termination & issue a refund.Did you find any of these tips helpful? Leave a comment on our social media pages.
