How to Get Most of a Security Deposit Back on a Rental House

So you want to know how to get most of a security deposit back on a rental house. First and foremost, realize that you will never get all of your deposit back. Think about it: You've moved out, so they're going to try and hit you for just a little bit more cash on your way out the door. However, a few simple fixes and your landlord won't have many excuses left.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• All-purpose cleaner Window cleaner Paper towels Mop Vacuum Cleaner Spackle Paint Paint brush Carpet steamer

1. Move completely out of the house. Take everything down off the walls, pack your things and get them all out. The real work starts once the movers move on.

2. Fix all the little nail holes from your pictures. Press some spackle into each hole. Spread it around a little, then use a paper towel to remove the excess, leaving just enough to cover the holes. Allow it to dry for a couple of hours.

3. Repaint any scrapes or scratches on the wall. Most rental homes use the same paint throughout for simplicity's sake. Get a quart of this and just walk through the home giving a quick once-over on all of these spots, as well as the places you spackled.

4. Completely wipe down all non-carpeted surfaces. Get down on your hands and knees if you have to. Make sure you get all the gunk and stains off the ground.

5. Use the window cleaner to clean all glass surfaces. This should not be a terribly important component, but dirty glass makes a bad impression.

6. Wipe down all surfaces using the all-purpose cleaner. While it need not be clean enough to eat off of, give it a nice shine.

7. Pull out all appliances and clean behind them. This includes the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

8. Vacuum all the dust and dirt up on your way out the door. You will be surprised how much of this gets kicked up in the moving process.