The (Almost) Foolproof Guide to Getting Your Security Deposit Back After Moving
If you’re preparing to move, you have a lot to think about, and most of it has to do with your new place: finding it, buying or renting it, and getting all your stuff there quickly, efficiently, and as cheaply as possible. You have a lot on your plate, and I get that, but you also need to give some thought to the space you’re vacating, especially if you’re renting. Remember that security deposit you paid when you moved in? You want it back, and your landlord won’t give it to you. Here’s how to get it back, or at least try.
What is a landlord looking for?
First, think like a landlord or building manager. Once all your stuff is boxed up and you’re standing in the ghostly echo chamber that was once your home, look around and take note of any small issues a landlord might notice when they do their rounds. Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage in Denver , Colorado, says landlords can hold deposits for anything from furniture marks on the wall to nail holes and dirty plumbing. After all, cleaning is a job, too, and the management company will need to pay someone to do it, which is what they’ll use the deposit money to do. It’s better to do it yourself.
Start with cleaning
Aikman says it’s easiest to put everything away before you leave. The good news is that once all your stuff is packed or put away, you’ll have a pretty clear view of what needs to be put away, and you won’t have any obstacles like shelving. The heavy furniture that once prevented you from doing a thorough cleaning will be gone. Make the most of it.
Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ , says movers often forget to clean appliances, bathrooms, and floors. Remember, you’re not just scrubbing and cleaning scuffs off the walls, you also have to clean the toilet, refrigerator, sinks, and other appliances and fixtures. It’s annoying and time-consuming — plus it almost feels offensive to clean a place you won’t like anymore — but it can save you money.
It might even be worth considering a professional cleaning company, says Shaniqua D’Sa, head of content marketing at Attic Self Storage . Call a few cleaning companies and get written quotes, then compare the cost to your deposit. If the cost of cleaning is significantly lower and you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the work you have to do, outsourcing can be a cost-effective and time-saving option.
Repair of minor damage
Beller says renters tend to ignore small damage and focus on the bigger ones, but those small damages add up. One or two nail holes isn’t a big deal, but if you have them in every wall, your landlord might start to object.
Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers , agrees that renters often forget to fix those little holes and minor damage. As a general rule, fix even the most minor issues. You don’t want to give the builder a reason to keep even a penny of that deposit. Scuffs, holes, peeling plaster, scratches, loose screws—one trip to the hardware store can go a long way.
In my experience, renovating an old place also helps prepare you for the new one. For me, doing a little manual labor gets me back into the swing of working with my hands, so when I arrive at my new home, I feel more prepared to get my hands dirty. It’s unfortunate but true that every time I’ve moved, I’ve left my old place perfect and moved into a place that was inexplicably a little dirty and/or out of order. That’s the nature of renting in a big city! Previous tenants probably didn’t get their deposit, which was my problem. Always be prepared for something like this. Sure, you can argue with the rental company and demand that someone come and clean, but after all the stress of moving, I always found myself with no energy to start my time in the new place, annoying my new landlord.
Be sensible during the move itself.
Cleaning up the clutter and damage left behind from your stay in a space is one thing. Avoiding further damage when you move out is another. If you’re moving furniture and boxes yourself, don’t bang them against the wall or let them hit doorways. And whatever you do, don’t drag it out.
“Removing furniture without proper protection can damage door frames or walls. Use blankets, sliders, or even flattened cardboard to protect surfaces as you move out,” says Jordan Sakala of laborhutt.com . “Little details can save a lot.”
In fact, this point was brought up by several professionals I spoke with. Aikman and Chia were also careful to mention that movers often overlook the damage they can cause, especially when moving large pieces of furniture. Chia says renters tend to underestimate how tight corners or stairs are. Take a few measurements of your furniture, as well as the path you’ll be moving it along, before you begin. If you’re unsure, it may be time to call in professional movers, but make sure you clearly communicate the importance of not causing any damage.
Use a few supplies to make this task easier. Painter’s tape can be attached to walls and doorways to protect them from scratches, for example, and it comes off easily when you’re done. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers in Brooklyn, says you should wrap all your furniture in blankets, which will not only protect the walls and doorways while you move, but will also protect the furniture itself during transport.
Document the space on the way out
Once the cleaning and repairs are done, take lots of photos and videos. Again, this advice was emphasized by several different professionals. Aikman, Beller, and D’sa all raised this point, pointing out that in the event that the landlord tries to dispute your deposit refund, you’ll need proof that you left the place clean and free of damage.
Photos and videos can also help you spot any last-minute issues that you need to fix. When I need to clean or organize, I sometimes take photos of my space rather than trying to assess it visually. I’m just used to how my rooms look in real life, so looking at them more objectively through a photo helps me better recognize what’s out of place, what’s taking up too much space, and what needs a little more attention. While you’re taking photos and videos, look at them the way the owner does and notice anything that doesn’t look right.