How to Get Back a Rental Deposit

Remember that extra cash you put up at the beginning of your lease? If you want to see that rental deposit again, make sure you leave your place in tip-top condition when you move out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brooms
• Carpet Cleaner
• Carpet Shampoos
• Cleaning Supplies
• Floor Wax
• Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners
• Mops
• Paints
• Carpet Cleaner
• Cleaning Supplies
• Floor Wax
• Toothpaste
• Toothpaste
• Foamy Carpet Cleaner With SM Scotchguard
• Maid Services
• Cleaning Day Newspaper
• Camcorders
• Cameras
• Cameras

1. Clean your apartment thoroughly, including the refrigerator, stove and bathroom.

2. Document your cleaning work with pictures and witnesses.

3. Arrange to meet with your landlord or manager and tour the cleaned apartment.

4. Check the condition of the apartment against what the apartment was like when you moved in (you should have a list documenting existing damage).

5. Work out any disputes on the spot, if possible.

6. Ask for the security deposit before you leave.

7. Write a formal letter demanding your deposit if you do not receive the deposit within a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• If the landlord cannot tour the apartment with you, bring a witness to tour the apartment in his place, take some photos and keep all receipts for cleaning materials in case you need to sue in small claims court.
• If your landlord deliberately holds back your deposit and the formal letter of demand is unsuccessful, you may consider mediation or suing your landlord for the deposit.
• Laws vary from state to state, so check to see how long your landlord has to return your deposit and under what sort of circumstances the landlord may hold it.

on 1/31/2006 Some landlords will put clauses in the lease for an automatic deduction of a certain amount of money from the security deposit for cleaning the carpets, painting or other expenses related to getting the property ready to rent. These maintenance issues generally fall under normal wear and tear which is not legally deductible from your security deposit. In my state there is even a statute on the books dealing with lease provisions like this - making them expressly illegal even if you signed the lease with these provisions. Make it clear to your landlord that you are aware of your rights during the final walk through and they will be less likely to deduct for things they shouldn't. Check with your states Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection and ask if they have a booklet available on the landlord/tenant laws in your area. If it looks like there might be a problem, send a letter to your landlord before you receive (or failing that before you cash) your deposit. Be sure to provide the statutes regarding normal wear and tear and quote them in your letter.

on 11/22/2005 States have different laws about security deposits, and when landlords are and aren't allowed to withhold money. Find those laws online. Warn your landlord that you're going to file a complaint with your state attorney general's office - and then do it, if you don't get your money back.

on 11/22/2005 Make a list before you move in. Have the landlord sign it. Work top to bottom listing cracks in the ceiling, walls, & trim. Check windows, doors, fixtures, etc. Be THOROUGH and document EVERYTHING, but be kind. This should be observations, not criticism!