How to Get a Rental Deposit Returned

Limousine rentals typically require a deposit in case of damage.

Rental deposits are required in many scenarios including property, equipment, community center and vehicle rentals. The deposit ensures the rented item or property will be returned on time and in good condition. When this is not the case, part or all of the deposit will be withheld to pay for time or damages. To get the rental deposit returned, the renter must understand the agreement he made with the rental entity and comply with its terms.

Instructions

1. Read the contract before renting the item or property. Pay attention to all conditions under which the rental deposit will be withheld. Take note of any special provisions, such as a truck rental company requiring the truck be returned with a full tank of gas.

2. Maintain caution when using the rented merchandise or property. For example, in a rental home, maintain cleanliness, alert management immediately with any problems, such as leaky water heaters, and safeguard the property by locking it when it is not occupied. For rental tools, read and follow use instructions to avoid damaging them.

3. Clean the rented property or equipment before returning it. Whether it is stipulated or not in the rental agreement, cleaning the rental house, tools or vehicles before returning shows a professional attitude. Returning unclean items or property may cause the forfeit of some of the deposit money.

4. Request inspection. Ask an employee or property manager to inspect the returned property before leaving the premises. Provide a checklist that denotes the condition of the returned property. Ask for written verification the property was returned in satisfactory condition and that the terms of the rental agreement were met.

5. Provide a mailing address for the deposit's return. Some deposits are returned as the rented item is returned, but in many cases it is mailed at a later date. Ask when it will be mailed and mark in on a calendar.

Tips & Warnings

• Take photographs of the rental property as it is received, and again as it is returned, to illustrate the lack of damage.

References

• NOLO: Get Your Security Deposit Back
• Fox News: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back