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Tips for Getting Your Full Security Deposit Back

A man and woman tidying a room filled with boxes, organizing, and cleaning the space together.Securing the return of your deposit might seem tough, but with the right strategy, it’s completely doable. Moving out of either an apartment or a rental home, keeping the place clean is vital for a full refund of your deposit.

Most landlords look for a perfectly clean place to give back the full deposit, which can be hard to achieve. We’ll offer key cleaning tips and strategies in this article to help you leave your rental spotless, impress your landlord, and ensure you get your deposit back with ease.

Tip #1: Read Your Lease

Your lease might not be the initial place you seek out cleaning tips. Though, as a renter, the lease documents and addenda likely detail your landlord’s expectations. Typically, your lease will provide answers to whether carpets need professional cleaning, which parts will be inspected, and so forth.

Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist

Conscientious landlords generally issue a move-out checklist to tenants upon receiving notice of departure. Should your landlord fail to provide one, you can still access numerous detailed cleaning checklists online. Referring to a checklist while you clean is important to make sure you don’t miss any areas inside or outside. Neglecting small cleaning tasks can add up to large deductions from your deposit, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord

To reclaim your entire security deposit, adopt your landlord’s viewpoint. Reflect on the property’s original cleanliness and ensure it looks the same when you move out. For any uncertainties, speak to your landlord to understand their definition of “clean” and their expectations. Bear in mind that the next tenant desires a clean home, so maintain it as you would like it if you were the new tenant.

Tip #4: Don’t Leave Stuff Behind

Tenants often leave behind belongings they no longer need or want in a rental property. However, it takes little extra effort to move your unwanted items to the curb or donate them to a thrift store. Also, if you leave your stuff, the landlord is likely to charge you for its removal and cleanup. Consequently, your security deposit refund will be reduced.

Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile

While moving out, it might be tempting to clean as little as possible and cut corners. This approach might sometimes be sufficient, but usually, it leads to security deposit deductions for cleaning and repairs. If feasible, take a bit more time to examine some details. Patch nail holes with drywall putty, and ensure you’ve cleaned interior windows and dusted blinds and ceiling fans.

By using these move-out cleaning tips, you’ll give your landlord little reason to complain and no excuse to deduct from your security deposit for cleanliness.

Are you in the market for a new rental in Tempe or close by? Real Property Management Pinnacle Peak offers the perfect home for you. Browse our listings or give us a call at 480-716-5700.

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