How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

This post, "How to Get Your Security Deposit Back," was originally published on the Apartments.com Renterverse in 2019. 

What’s the best thing about security deposits? Unlike everything else you have to pay before moving into an apartment, they’re refundable! And since you get it back when you move out (likely having to shell out plenty for your new place), the money comes back to you at a crucial time. But how do you make sure you’ll get your security deposit back?

BEFORE YOU SIGN THE LEASE

Read it! Read all of it. Make sure you understand your lease, because if you don’t understand it or don’t read it, you have no way of knowing if you’ve met the conditions of your lease when you move out. Be sure to ask questions. Sometimes, property managers will charge you for damage “beyond normal wear and tear.” What is that, exactly? Does it include any damage caused by your pet? Scratches on the door, for example? Write down any questions you have while reading the lease and then review those questions with the property manager.

DO A WALKTHROUGH BEFORE MOVING IN

Before you move into your new apartment, schedule a walk-through and pay close attention to every detail. You might be given a checklist by the property manager prior to moving in to document any issues. If not, you can create your own.

Here are some things to note on your checklist:

• Scratches on the wood floors/floorboards
• Discoloration or marks on the walls
• Chipped paint or holes in the walls
• Stains on the carpet
• Blinds that are broken or don’t work
• Windows that don’t open
• Chips or cracks in the windows
• Outlets – location, number, and if they work
• Any problems with the locks/security system
• Location of smoke detectors and if they’re working
• Lack of water pressure/toilets not flushing
• Cracks in tile
• Loose sink fixtures
• Any signs of mold, mildew
• Signs of pests (look under the sink and in the closets)

Look closely at everything and note anything that isn’t in top condition. Don’t take this lightly-bring a magnifying glass! (Just kidding.) Take photos of any issues and include those with your completed checklist.

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T OWE ANYTHING

Are you current on your rent? If not, this could jeopardize you getting your security deposit back. The security deposit isn’t your last month’s rent payment, either. Your security deposit covers any damages or cleaning fees and is completely separate from rent. You may have paid first and last months’ rent when you moved in. Be sure to check your lease to make sure that final payment is covered.

MAKE SURE YOU GIVE PROPER NOTICE

The amount of notification time required for move-out should be stated in your lease, and it varies. If your apartment community requires 30 days’ notice and you tell them you are moving in a week, the short notice may be considered a violation of your lease agreement and you may not get your security deposit back. Even if your lease is up, you’ll need to notify the apartment community in advance so your lease isn’t automatically renewed. Be sure to verify how much notice is required and write a  notice to vacate letter within the time frame stated in your lease.

CLEAN YOUR APARTMENT

Campers will be familiar with the adage “Leave No Trace,” and these rules apply to your apartment when moving out, as well. Scrub it, then scrub it some more. Take a top to bottom approach (fan blades and plant shelves, too). The closer you can get it to how you found it, the better. Clean as you clear each room, then go back for one final cleaning once the apartment is completely empty.

Use this cleaning checklist:

1. Clean all appliances
2. Wipe down kitchen cabinets and pantry shelves
3. Clean the kitchen sink and countertops
4. Remove any grease or dust from the overhead light and range hood
5. Clean behind and the top of the fridge
6. Clean the tub, shower, toilet, and sink
7. Wipe down the bathroom vanity and clean the mirrors 

MAKE A MOVE-OUT CHECKLIST

Between packing boxes, transferring utilities, and signing paperwork at your new place, you have a lot going on right now and it might be easy to forget an important step (like making sure your old landlord has your new address). Once you’ve made the decision to move rather than renew, here are some things you need to do:

• Check your lease to see how much notice you have to give your landlord (usually 30 days)
• Write your notice to vacate letter within the required timeframe
• Make sure the landlord has your new address (so he can send your check)

Be sure to keep an open line of communication with your property manager before, during and after your move. Remember: you want the apartment as close to its original move-in condition as possible. Be sure to schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord if they require one. 

Happy moving!