When you’re looking to move out of a rental property, there’s one factor that’s likely to be weighing on your mind more and more as the big day approaches: are you going to get your deposit back? Having that cash injection can make getting settled into a new space much easier, lifting some of the financial burden, and if you’ve been a good tenant, then you may even think that you deserve it back.
However, getting it all back might require a little more thoroughness before you move out of a rental property.
Check Your Tenancy Agreement Carefully
Many of the requirements and limitations of how you live in a rental property are going to be determined by the agreement you signed when your tenancy started. It can include rules and policies on notice periods, cleaning standards, garden maintenance, professional carpet cleaning, furniture, keys, and final meter readings. Getting to know these ahead of time can make sure that you’re able to lay out a plan to meet all of the requirements before the final inspection.
Consider Professional Cleaners
If you’re trying to protect your deposit, then making sure that the home is as clean as possible is vital. To that end, if it’s cost-effective and you’re likely to get more back than you spend, hiring professionals for an end of tenancy cleaning can be the perfect way to make sure that the property meets all of the most reasonable expectations for tidiness before you move out. While you can certainly clean yourself, it’s easy to miss hard-to-reach areas or to give certain appliances and surface materials the kind of deep clean they need if you don’t have that professional knowledge.
Repair Minor Damage
Take a look around the home to document any wear, tear, and damage. In cases where any damage or wear is likely to happen over time, regardless of your action or inaction, you can argue that you’re not responsible for it. However, when it comes to issues like picture hook holds, scuffs on the furniture, loose door handles, and the like, taking a little time to repair them can help ensure that there aren’t any lingering issues that your landlord can pick up on and use as an excuse to take away from your deposit.
Be Willing To Double-Check
Being in a position to question any of your landlord’s proposed reductions to your deposit can help you a lot. For one, you should protect your deposit by taking photos and videos of every room when it’s fully cleaned, including the walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, windows, and more. Keeping invoices of cleaning or any repairs you invested in can help you show that you did get the home to an acceptable standard, so if the landlord tries to claim the property is in bad condition, you can prove otherwise. Being present at the final inspection can also help you discuss any concerns there and then, and may make the more untrustworthy landlords less likely to try to get something by you.
Most landlords are going to be fair when handling your deposit, but with the tips above, you can make sure you don’t give them any excuses to hold onto it.
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