How to Get Your Apartment Security Deposit Back

When it gets to the time that your lease is about to expire and you haven’t opted to renew it, there are certain steps that you should follow to get your security deposit back. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to secure your deposit.

1. Read Your Lease

Your lease is your legally binding contract with a breakdown of all the rules and regulations you need to follow from your tenancy to your exit from the lease. It should also describe factors such as the condition of the property, how to get your security deposit back, and how long it will take the landlord to transfer the deposit to you.

2. Provide Sufficient Notice

When you lease an apartment, it is not assumed that it won’t be renewed by the time it expires. Simply let your landlord know at least 30 days prior to the end of the lease that it won’t be renewed and you’ll be moving out. If you are planning on ending the lease before the official expiration, you’ll need to give ample notice and even then, you might still be issued termination penalties. Read your lease to prevent the high costs of ending a lease and compromising your security deposit.

3. Prepare for the Move Out Inspection

When you perform a move-out inspection clean, you have to do a very thorough job because simple things like a stained carpet could compromise your deposit. The floors should be scrubbed, and any spots of grease, dust or general dirt removed. You can also ask your landlord to have a look at the apartment or rental home to help you determine what needs more attention.

4. Fix Damage

If you knocked a single nail into the wall this hole will have to be repaired before the inspection. Any damages that existed upon moving in should be documented at the start of your tenancy, so you don’t end up paying for damages and fixtures that you weren’t responsible for. Don’t take for granted that your landlord won’t spot something and try to cover it up. It is better to address it before you move out so you don’t have any complications when you want your money back!

5. Understand Your Rights

If you have abided by the terms of the lease and your landlord still won’t return your security deposit, it is important to get to know your rights and to pursue the necessary legal routes to get what is rightfully yours.

This includes an exploration of the law governing when and how a security deposit must be returned according to state law. Because states have specific regulations regarding deposits, you’ll need to learn more about your rights to make the necessary decisions.

Psychology graduate and content creator