Whether you’re moving in or moving out of your rental, you’re probably wondering how to get your security deposit back. It’s likely that it was a lot of money, so it’s no wonder that you’re determined not to write it off. One of the biggest reasons that landlords keep security deposits is in order to make repairs on your rental after you move out. By fixing some of the most common problems before you leave, you’ll make it more likely that you’ll get your money back. Here are some of the most common problems to watch out for and some potential solutions.
Paint touch-ups
One of the most common reasons landlords keep security deposits is due to the rental’s paint. You don’t need to do the touch-ups necessary to cover up normal wear-and-tear––your landlord is expected to cover those. However, if you’ve decided to paint your walls a different color, or alter the paint in another drastically different fashion, you should talk to your landlord about it and work out a solution.
Carpet stains
Carpet stains are another big one, but thankfully, they’re pretty easy to fix. Just keep some carpet cleaning solution on hand and try to treat carpet stains as soon as they happen. If your stains are older, it’ll be more difficult, but you might be able to get them out by using a solution of white vinegar and water. Try blotting the stain with a mixture of one cup of white vinegar to two cups of water.
Drywall patches
Another common reason landlords keep security deposits is because of holes in the wall. The good thing is that a lot of smaller holes don’t require much more than some spackle. Lowe’s has an article on how to repair holes of different sizes in drywall. It might seem like an involved process, but if you’re really brainstorming about how to get your security deposit back, this fix is definitely worth the time and energy.
Bathroom drains
This one is an easy fix, because if your bathroom drains are clogged, the culprit is usually hair. All you need is a cheap drain snake and you’re good to go; you’re likely to fix the problem in fifteen minutes. If the case seems more complicated, definitely talk to your landlord before you go so that you can work something out.
Water damage
It’s easy to damage your wood floors with water if you’re not careful. Things as simple as a wet towel can lead to mold in your rental. If you notice signs of mold, you should talk to your landlord about the issue. However, if you simply notice that there is water on your wood floors, you should clean and dry them often while looking for ways to prevent them from getting wet. It may seem like a small thing, but it is definitely an important solution when we’re talking about how to get your security deposit back.
Scratches in Wood Floor
If you’ve got visible scratches in your wood floors which weren’t there when you moved in, you’ll want to give them a quick fix before you leave. For the smallest of scratches, a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and olive oil should do the trick if you just dab it into the crack and let it sit. For deeper scratches, you can use a blending pencil, specifically made to help fill in wood scratches. If that’s not enough, you might want to try a new coat of finish.
These repairs may seem like a lot of work, involving time and new materials, but the payoff will be worth it. As a renter, it’s important that you understand exactly how to get your security deposit back. These repairs can be a key part of that process. Besides, if you learn how to do them, you’ll be able to bring your new skills into your next rental. Soon you’ll be super handy!
If you’re interested in other posts about maintaining your home, check out this one about preventing frozen pipes in your rental home.
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