Ways to Get Your Deposit Back when Renting
One of the first things that a renter should do to make sure they get their deposit back is to let their landlord know when they are planning to move so that the property owner can have time to find a new renter. If the property owner knows they will not be losing any profit because of the loss of a tenant they might not be so concerned about returning a deposit. Another thing that one can do to insure the return of all of their deposit money is to make sure they are current on their rent and any other fees associated with living in their apartment or house. The property owner will be less hesitant to return a deposit to someone who has a steady rent history and who has never caused any problems.
But, above all else, clean, clean, and clean! In many cases a deposit is taken to cover the expense of any repair that may be needed as a direct result of the tenants occupancy. For that reason people who own pets, especially large dogs, are charged an additional deposit fee because the property owner expects more damage from someone with a pet.
Before you leave your property or allow the owner to inspect it make sure you complete a thorough cleaning. Start with a basic house cleaning focusing on the trouble spots and if you can get your furniture out of your current home and into your new home do a more detailed cleaning. Wash every corner of the house, dust, and pay a lot of attention to the appliances.
Be sure the refrigerator is well scrubbed and freshened with some baking soda to help neutralize any food odors. If your apartment or home has come with a microwave then make sure it is cleaned so well that it seems brand new and then start on the oven. Ovens and ranges are often the hardest things to clean. If the oven does not have a cleaning cycle find an oven cleaning spray that can be used with your type of oven (certain products can not be used with gas ovens) and also carefully clean the range.
If the burners are to dirty it might be in your best interest to go to a local home supply store and buy replacements. You want all the appliances to look as though they have never been used so that the property owners have no reason to complain. Once the appliances are cleaned and the bathrooms are well scrubbed the carpet (if you have carpeting) is the next big thing to clean.
One of the first things the property owner will notice is the carpeting of the home. They will be concerned about stains and odors that may cause the carpeting to need replacement. The expense of having the carpet completely replaced would be a sure reason for the property owner to keep a deposit. If your carpet has a lot of stains do what you can to remove them with an extra strength carpet cleaner and if that doesn’t do it rent a steam cleaner to completely shampoo and steam the carpet. If you have some extra money hire a professional carpet cleaning company.
In many cases the fee for the professional carpet cleaners would only be a small percentage of the money you would be getting back from your deposit. A good shampoo cleaning should take care of any odors you might have and leave the carpet looking brand new. Once you are done have a friend or two come by to see your home and rate how clean it is, an outside look will let you know what you need to do (if anything).
