While getting your security deposit back may appear challenging, it’s fully achievable with the proper approach. Whether vacating an apartment or a rental property, keeping it spotless is crucial for receiving your full deposit.
Most landlords look for a perfectly clean place to give back the full deposit, which can be hard to achieve. We’ll offer key cleaning tips and strategies in this article to help you leave your rental spotless, impress your landlord, and ensure you get your deposit back with ease.
Tip #1: Read Your Lease
Your lease might not be the obvious source for cleaning tips. Still, as a renter, your lease documents and any addenda often include what your landlord expects. 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
Trustworthy landlords often provide a move-out checklist to tenants around the time they give notice of leaving. However, if your landlord did not provide one, you can easily find comprehensive cleaning checklists online. A cleaning checklist is essential to ensure you don’t forget any tasks, inside or in the yard. 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
To maximize the return of your security deposit, consider the perspective of 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 often leave behind belongings they no longer need or want in a rental property. Nonetheless, taking your unwanted junk to the curb or a thrift store requires minimal effort. Additionally, if you leave your items behind, the landlord may charge you for cleanup and removal. Consequently, your security deposit refund will be reduced.
Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile
In the frenzy of moving out, the temptation to do minimal cleaning and cut corners can be strong. Although this might be acceptable in some cases, it often results in deductions from your security deposit for cleaning and repairs. If you’re able, give yourself a bit more time to review certain details. As an example, fill nail holes with drywall putty, clean interior windows, and dust 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 Newport News or close by? Real Property Management Tidal provides the perfect home for you. Browse our listings or give us a call at 757-206-2071.
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