The key to getting your security deposit back is the maintenance of good records, especially when moving in and out of the apartment. And communicating with your landlord or property manager.
Moving In
Walk-through Inspection and PhotographsBefore you move in, go through the apartment with the owner or property manager and write down any existing damages. Have them sign and date the document. If it's not convenient to do a walk-through, then examine the apartment yourself and take pictures. Send the photos and a written description to the landlord, asking them to sign off on it. If they won't even do that, then follow this tip from the San Francisco Tenants Union: send one to yourself and leave the package unopened. The postmark on the envelope will prove the date of the damages.
Moving Out
Walk-through InspectionA few weeks before you move out, walk through the apartment again with the property manager to confirm what you need to do to get your security deposit back in full. Do this early enough, so that you have time to make any necessary repairs yourself.
Write down what damages you're responsible for and have your landlord sign off on this. Whether or not you repair them, your landlord can only deduct your security deposit to take care of these damages. Anything else that comes up is not your responsibility.
Cleaning the Apartment
Avoid a cleaning fee by doing it yourself. The general advice is to make sure the apartment is "broom clean":
- Sweep all floors and vacuum all carpets.
- Wipe down kitchen counters, sink and fridge.
- Clean the shower, toilet, medicine cabinet, mirror and bathroom sink.
Make sure you return the keys to the landlord on the day you move out. This is easy to forget, especially during the hubbub of moving out of your old home and into your new one, but landlords can deduct a key deposit from your security deposit for failing to do this.
Forward Your Address to the Landlord
Send your new address to the landlord, so they know where to mail your security deposit. Make sure to do this in writing. I recommend sending the address through a secure mailing method, such as certified mail, FedEx or another method that allows you to check whether the recipient got the letter. Even though it's more expensive, it's worth the extra cost to get back the much larger amount of your deposit! But if your budget is really tight, you can always phone up the landlord a few days later to make sure they received your new address.
Keep Good Records
Keep a copy of all correspondence and legal documents until you get your security deposit back. This means:
- Keep the apartment lease or rental agreement in a secure place.
- Keep all rent receipts or checks.
- Keep a copy of all agreements regarding damages between you and the landlord.
- Keep a copy of the letter sent to your landlord with your forwarding address.
