Security Deposit—How to Make Sure You Get Your Money Back
Take a good look around the house—it’s supposed to look like this when you leave too.
If you mess up, fess up. If something breaks during occupancy, tell us immediately. Repairs are cheaper when dealt with then, and, even if it’s your fault, we can choose just to write it off on the spot. Of course, if we do have to charge for repairs, we will only charge for required parts and labor and will work out a payment plan if needed.
Don’t remove appliances. All loaned appliances, remote controllers, and related accessories are inventoried, conditions recorded, and photographed. If any are changed out, removed, altered/repaired for any reason not specifically approved in writing by your landlord, chances are the cost for replacement will be deducted from the deposit. If you want a different appliance of your own choosing/expense, coordinate the swap-out with us to prevent this from happening (a nominal labor cost will be charged).
Don’t hide your pets or additional adult occupants. If things change during tenancy, let us know and pay the additional deposit/fees. Subletting is not allowed, and all adult occupants must be included on the lease. A non-disclosure will almost always result in a significant deduction from the security deposit.
Don’t smoke inside—period. Yes, that includes vaping and medical marijuana, etc. as well. We will find out & the significant remediation costs that will be deducted.
Use good judgment. Having derelict vehicles in the yard; creating a backyard burn pit; spray painting items in the driveway; attempting to repair damage to the house yourself; mounting basketball hoops on the garage; installing TV equipment on the roof; running wires through walls/ceilings, etc. greatly imperils your security deposit.
Clean the house and all appliances. Really clean the house or hire a professional. Our rate for a standard post-tenancy cleaning service is $450, but it can go higher if there’s a real mess or lots of items/trash left behind. Please know that we have written a security deposit check on the spot for returning a truly clean house (even if a few minor things were missed).
Don’t play games or be a cheapskate. Do not attempt to hide damages or disavow knowledge of broken or missing items. All burned-out lights, as well as detector/controller batteries, and filters must be replaced with identical ones. Fire extinguishers (if applicable) must not be discharged or missing. Leaving boxes of replacement blinds, fixtures, etc., and all the shelves and hangers you’ve installed will still cost you, so don’t bother. The grass must be freshly cut, etc.
Like all landlords and property managers, we collect an up-front security deposit prior to leasing. The purpose of this deposit is to cover the cost associated with the required cleaning and any damages beyond normal wear and tear following tenancy. We hold this deposit in escrow and do not view it as additional income. The fact is, we really want to give you back every dime—no kidding!
In closing, we expect some minor repairs for normal wear and tear, e.g., worn flooring and wall surfaces and fixtures nearing the end of their service lives. Burn marks on the countertops, multiple holes in the walls, trash & other items left behind, broken fixtures, stained & dirty carpets, etc. are not normal wear and tear. Make an honest effort to get the house ready to rent--just like it was when you moved in.