Are you planning to move out of your rental and move to a new one or a house of your own? It can be exciting, but you should also leave your old rental in proper condition.
It will help you avoid disputes with the landlord and get your security deposit back. Read on, and let’s explore how you can do it in the right way while protecting your finances.
Preparing Your Apartment for Move-Out: Cleaning and Repairs
If you want to get your security deposit back, start by understanding your lease and its requirements.
The lease contract usually explains how you need to return the unit.
For example, it shares details on what counts as normal wear and tear and what counts as damage.
Many lease contracts expect you to return the property in “broom clean” condition. However, there will be extra charges for heavy, dirty trash and pet odors.
To make sure you won’t miss anything, you can create a room-by-room checklist.
Make sure you create this checklist about two weeks before the move-out date, then you will have enough time to focus on moving out and cleaning.
As part of your checklist, pay closer attention to kitchens, bathrooms, walls, floors, and appliances.
Cleaning the kitchen
You need to degrease the stove and clean the oven if required. Likewise, you need to wipe cabinets inside and out. Make sure to empty and wipe the fridge and freezer as well.
Bathroom
This is where you need to scrub the toilet, tub, sink, tiles, and mirrors. Just ensure there is no mold or mildew in the bathroom.
Walls and paint
You need to remove the scuff marks carefully and fill all small nail holes. However, you should refrain from doing any rough patch jobs. They could make the property look worse than it was.
Floors
You can vacuum the carpets and mop hard floors. If there are any heavy stains, you can seek the assistance of a professional to do the cleaning.
Fixtures and details
Don’t forget to dust baseboards, blinds, and fans. You need to replace burnt bulbs and other inexpensive items as well.
Once you finish all the cleaning, you need to take pictures and videos.
Then you will have evidence that you did the cleaning, and your landlord has nothing to complain about.
Security Deposit Back: Tips to Ensure You Get It in Full
The lease contract clearly explains how the landlord will handle the security deposit.
You can also find information about the laws related to security deposits in your state.
On top of that, your lease agreement explains when you can expect to get a refund. You may need to provide your landlord with a forwarding address to trigger the return of your deposit.
You can give a proper notice to the landlord to increase your chances of getting back the security deposit in a timely manner.
This notice can be sent 30-60 days before the lease end date.
Make sure to keep a written copy of the notice for you as well. Here are some additional tips to help you get your security deposit back.
- You can schedule a pre-move-out walkthrough with your landlord. Then you can figure out whether you need to fix anything before moving out.
- Make sure to keep receipts for any professional cleaning or repair work that you pay for. For example, if you paid a professional for carpet cleaning, always keep the receipts with you.
- You can send a short written request to the landlord requesting the security deposit after moving out. This notice can include your forwarding address and the date that you returned keys.
If there are any deductions, your landlord will share an itemized list with you within a certain number of days.
You can go through this list with the photos you have. If there are any differences, you need to respond to the landlord in writing.
Make sure to do that with factual points rather than emotional language.
Smooth Transition: Communicating with Your Landlord and New Tenants
Proper communication can help you ensure a smooth, drama-free move-out.
You can start off communications with a polite written notice before the move-out. It will set the tone and show that you respect the lease agreement.
At the time of writing this note, you need to include your planned move-out date, contact information, and the property address.
If you are aware of the forwarding address, you need to mention it as well. Here are a few things you need to do during the weeks before you move out:
- Your landlord may send messages about showings, inspections, or utility transfers. Always try your best to respond to these messages within 24 hours.
- Try to get a move-out inspection with the landlord before moving out. Then you can get a clear idea of what needs to be fixed.
- If you meet the new tenants before moving out, be friendly and neutral with them. Be careful not to complain or make promises about the repairs or move-in dates.
This is the stage where you will need to work with property managers to get work done. Property managers in Northern Virginia make renting out a home simple, efficient, and far more profitable.
Be responsive to them and communicate clearly to avoid any disputes and make sure that you won’t risk your security deposit.
Final Words
Now you know how to leave your rental homes without any stress and get your security deposit back.
Make sure to pay more attention to preparation, documentation, and smooth communication. During cleaning, you need to handle small repairs as well.
No matter what, you should be 100% familiar with your lease contract. This will reduce your risk of getting surprise charges or deductions from your security deposit.
When in doubt, you can work with the landlord and get them clarified.
