10 Tips for Getting Back Your Security Deposit
Getting your security deposit back in full when you move out of your student housing near UF can be a wonderful relief. However, there are many elements that can easily cause your landlord to keep your portion or even all of your security deposit. There are many simple things you can do to increase the likelihood of getting it back in full.
1. Do Not Paint
Though you may be excited to paint your new luxury apartments in Gainesville, FL when you first move in, you will regret it when you are moving out. Most complexes require you to paint your walls back to the way they were when you moved in. Moving requires a lot of work without the hassle of attempting to repaint all of your walls to the perfect color without letting your previous color bleed through.
2. Leave Nothing Behind
Once you leave, apartment staff and cleaners will charge you for any extra effort they may need to exert. Therefore, if you leave trash or unwanted belongings behind, you will be charged for them to take the time to throw it away. You should make sure you leave nothing behind that they will need to move or dispose of.
3. Clean Thoroughly
Apartment complexes will hire cleaning companies to make sure the unit is prepared for the next tenant. The more mess that is left behind the more work will be required for the cleaners. Therefore, they will charge your landlords who will in turn use your deposit to cover the cost.
4. Pay Bills
Make sure you have pay all rent charges, late rent fees, utility overages or any other fees you may have. If you do not, your apartment complex will first use your deposit to pay off these charges before you receive the remaining funds.
5. Report Problems
When you notice problems within your UF housing, report them immediately. The Standard at Gainesville, for instance, offers to fix problems within your apartment. If you do not, the issue may become worse and you may need to pay for a replacement for extensive fix once you move out.
6. Upkeep
Even though it will take regular effort, clean your apartment routinely. Regular maintenance will prevent dirt and grime from accumulating, which will make cleaning up right before you move out much easier. You will be much more likely to be able to clean your apartment to your landlord’s liking.
7. Check Records
Find the checklist you made or any pictures you took when you first moved in. Then, compare the past account with the current state of your Gainesville apartments so you can make sure it is in the same state it is in than when you moved in.
8. Make Repairs
If small imperfections are visible in an apartment, Gainesville students should fix themselves. These can be simple repairs such as cleaning dirt off of walls or replacing light bulbs will reduce the amount that will be removed from your deposit.
9. Inspect Along With Your Landlord
Often, you will have the option to walk through your apartment with the staff from your apartment complex. This way, if they find an issue, you will know exactly what area is in question and what you might be charged for.
10. Talk to a Lawyer
If your landlord maintains some or all of your security deposit and you feel it was done illegally, you need to write a demand letter. Often these are necessary for small claims court. Then you can talk to a lawyer or file a claim in small claims court.