Recovering your security deposit can seem daunting, but rest assured, it’s entirely possible with the correct method. Ensuring the cleanliness of your apartment or rental home when moving out is critical for getting back your full deposit.
Generally, landlords expect the rental to be immaculate for a full deposit return, which can be tough. In this piece, we’ll give you crucial cleaning tips and strategies to leave your rental looking fantastic, impress your landlord, and increase your likelihood of a hassle-free deposit return.
Tip #1: Read Your Lease
The lease agreement may not be where you’d first look for cleaning advice. Nevertheless, as a renter, your lease agreement and any addenda likely outline your landlord’s expectations. Often, the lease will answer questions about professional carpet cleaning, inspection areas, and more.
Tip #2: Get (and Use) A Move-Out Checklist
Dependable landlords typically give tenants a move-out checklist when they inform them of their move. Should your landlord fail to provide one, you can still access numerous detailed cleaning checklists online. Employing a checklist during cleaning is vital to ensure nothing is overlooked, both indoors and outdoors. Missing even minor cleaning tasks can lead to substantial deductions from your security deposit, so it’s worth the effort.
Tip #3: Think Like a Landlord
To maximize the return of your security deposit, consider the perspective of your landlord. Think back to the state of the property when you first arrived and try to match that cleanliness upon leaving. For any uncertainties, speak to your landlord to understand their definition of “clean” and their expectations. Think about how the next tenant will want a clean space, and leave it as you would want to move into it.
Tip #4: Don’t Leave Stuff Behind
Leaving behind personal items in a rental home is a frequent occurrence among tenants. Yet, it’s not significantly harder to take your unwanted items to the curb or a thrift shop. Also, if you leave your stuff, the landlord is likely to charge you for its removal and cleanup. This results in a smaller return of your security deposit.
Tip #5: Go the Extra Mile
While moving out, it might be tempting to clean as little as possible and cut corners. While this may be effective in rare cases, it typically causes deductions from your security deposit for cleaning and repairs. When you can, set aside extra time to go over some specifics. Fill nail holes with drywall putty, and make sure interior windows are clean, and blinds and ceiling fans are dusted.
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.
Do you need a new rental in Portland or the nearby area? Real Property Management Assurance has an ideal home for you. Browse our listings or call us at 971-270-2600.
Originally Published on August 28, 2020
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