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.
Most landlords look for a perfectly clean place to give back the full deposit, which can be hard to achieve. In this piece, we’ll give you crucial cleaning tips and strategies to leave your rental looking fantastic, impress your landlord, and increase your likelihood of a hassle-free deposit return.
Tip #1: Read Your Lease
Your lease might not be the obvious source for cleaning tips. Nevertheless, as a renter, your lease agreement and any addenda likely outline your landlord’s expectations. Commonly, answers to whether carpets need professional cleaning, which areas will be inspected, and similar questions are in the lease.
Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist
Responsible landlords often send a move-out checklist to tenants when they announce they are leaving. Yet, if your landlord did not offer one, numerous detailed cleaning checklists can be found online. Employing a checklist during cleaning is vital to ensure nothing is overlooked, both indoors and outdoors. Skipping even tiny cleaning tasks can lead to significant deductions from your deposit, making it worth the effort.
Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord
To maximize the return of your security deposit, consider the perspective of your landlord. Recall how the property looked when you moved in and strive to leave it just as clean. If you need clarification, ask your landlord what they consider “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
Leaving behind personal items in a rental home is a frequent occurrence among tenants. Yet, it’s not significantly harder to take your unwanted items to the curb or a thrift shop. Moreover, if you abandon your belongings, the landlord will likely bill you for their disposal. This results in a smaller return of your security deposit.
Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile
While moving out, it might be tempting to clean as little as possible and cut corners. Although this might work occasionally, it usually results in security deposit deductions for cleaning and repairs. If possible, allocate a bit more time to check over some details. Patch nail holes with drywall putty, and ensure you’ve cleaned interior windows and dusted blinds and ceiling fans.
Stick to these move-out cleaning tips, and your landlord will have little to complain about and no excuse to withhold any of your security deposit for cleanliness.
Are you in the market for a new rental in Mint Hill or close by? Real Property Management Charlotte Metro provides the perfect home for you. Browse our listings or give us a call at 704-919-1344.
Originally Published on August 28, 2020
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