How to get your rental deposit back
Squabbles over security deposits account for a very large proportion of the disputes between landlords and their tenants, but could actually be quite easily avoided in most cases.
The deposit is supposed to protect the landlord against loss of rent if the tenant decides to do a ‘moonlight run’, and against any damage, a tenant may do to the property.
On the other hand, if you’re a tenant who has kept the property clean and in good condition, you should be able to count on getting your deposit back.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case and the answer is for both parties to pay more careful attention to the condition of the property and the terms of the agreement before the lease is signed.
Make a detailed snag list
As a start a very detailed list of any existing damage and defects in the house or flat should be drawn up, using precise wording to describe any exceptions to “clean and undamaged”. A photographic record is even better, and easy to create these days with a smartphone camera. Areas for particularly close attention should include:
• Door locks.
• Walls.
• Ceilings.
• Plumbing.
• Wall and floor tiles.
• Carpets.
• Windows.
Read the lease
Secondly, tenants must take the time to read their leases carefully so they know how much notice they have to give before they leave, and how far in advance.
Also read: Tenant vs landlord – who fixes what?
Return the property to its original condition
Next, they should spend some time making sure the property looks the way it did when they took occupation. Patch any holes made for picture hooks, paint the walls back to the original colour and give the place a really good clean before the exit inspection, and preferably after you’ve moved all your belongings out.
Revisit the snag list
Most disputes arise when landlords and tenants disagree about when certain damage was done. This is when it becomes very important as a tenant to be able to refer to the descriptions and photos obtained during your initial inspection of the property and prove exactly what it looked like before you moved in.
It is also vital to take notes and photos when you move out – especially if the landlord is not available for an exit inspection.
• Information courtesy of Private Property.
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