6 Common Reasons Renters Lose Their Security Deposit
I remember the days of being a renter. Even though you were paying for your home, it wasn’t truly your home. And with the security deposit at stake, everything had to be perfect when it was time to move out.
Moving out of a rental unit without losing a part or all of your security deposit can be challenging. That’s because renters lose their security deposit for several reasons, per the agreement.
If you don’t want to end up in such a situation, you should be aware of the reasons why renters lose their security deposit.
1) Lack of Proper Cleaning
One of the most common reasons renters fail to receive their full security deposit back is that they leave their apartment dirty when moving out. Normal wear and tear over the years leads to a build-up of grime, dust, and stains that require thorough cleaning before moving out.
When my wife and I moved out of our rental home, we scrubbed all the surfaces. We even repaired some minor wear and tear out of fear that we would lose the security deposit. Landlords expect a clean home when tenants move out. And that’s a common courtesy renters tend to ignore.
This includes cleaning items such as:
- Oven
- Vent hood
- Refrigerator
- Cabinets
- Floors
- Windows
- Walls
- Baseboards
- Blinds
- Sinks
- Showers
- Tubs
- Toilets and other appliances
You need to clean them until they are free of dirt, stains, mildew, and debris. Any permanent damage beyond reasonable use would not fall under your responsibility. However, failing to clean built-up grime would. Some landlords even provide official cleaning checklists for their properties.
When we buy properties, we expect to see a clean and pristine setup.
2) Damaged Walls or Paint
Another frequent deduction landlords make from security deposits relates to damage beyond normal wear and tear on the rental’s walls or paint. As tenants live on a property for months or years, accidents may happen over time. When Jon was an undergraduate, he accidentally spilled coffee over a wood-stained table in his rental unit. He immediately notified his landlord and only had to cover a minor percentage of the total repair costs.
While landlords expect some minor cosmetic issues, such as nail holes from hanging pictures, significant damage can warrant deductions from your deposit to repair and repaint walls. To prevent deposit deductions for wall damage, renters can take care while living in the unit by using recommended nails and hangers rather than creating numerous, enlarged holes.
3) Carpet or Flooring Damage
Tenants are responsible for fixing any damage to the walls and carpets. While moving out, landlords inspect the floors for signs of mistreatment beyond regular wear and tear. Unchecked spills can lead to permanent discoloration of the carpets.
You should be extra careful with pets when it comes to carpets. Pet urinations often force tenants to install new carpets.
4) Unpaid Utility Bills or Rent
Falling behind on rental obligations, such as overdue rent payments or unpaid utility bills, can also obstruct you from getting your full security deposit back. Most leases clearly state that tenants must be current on all money owed to be considered to have appropriately fulfilled the full rental term during move-out.
Some landlords deduct final rent payments, late fees, and outstanding utility invoices directly from your security deposit funds. Avoid paying for the next tenants’ electricity, gas, or water by contacting companies early to close accounts or transfer services upon giving notice.
5) Unauthorized Modifications or Repairs
“Landlords do not appreciate unauthorized modifications to their properties.” Deductions to the security deposit often arise from tenants indulging unauthorized repairs or alterations.
A standard lease will prohibit unsanctioned remodelling beyond preliminary decorations. Improper installations could also violate building codes. Reliable property managers suggest renters avoid making modifications without permission. For unwanted fees or conflicts, always consult your landlord first regarding permanent changes.
6) Leaving Behind Trash or Personal Belongings
Some of the easiest ways for renters to undermine security deposit returns are abandoning piles of trash or personal possessions after moving out. Any large amounts of waste or furniture left behind become the landlord’s responsibility to clear out of the rental once it becomes vacant. The costs of hauling materials, disposing of rubbish at the dump, and storing tenant belongings are deducted directly from your deposit. This is why you need to get rid of your unwanted belongings before moving out.
Final Words
It can be easy to lose your security deposit. But why should you? As long as you keep the rental property well-maintained, clean, and treat it with respect, the landlord will return the entire deposit to you.
There are several reasons why renters lose their security deposit, but there are several reasons why renters don’t lose their security deposit.
