Moving is always a stressful and costly process. So, sometimes the only thing people look forward to is getting their deposit back. Having that extra cash moving can go a long way. The costs can quickly go through the roof, as you need to pay the movers as well. Also, many want that bonus money so they can use it as a deposit for their new place. So, sometimes it’s crucial that you do everything you can to get your security deposit back. You can browse Verified Movers reviews to find not only the most suitable movers for you, but you can also find many useful tips and tricks regarding your deposit.
Give yourself enough time to plan and prepare
This goes for anything related to moving. As we’ve said before, it is a tough task that requires you to invest a lot of effort. One of the best ways to make sure that you get your security deposit back, and to avoid mistakes on moving day, is to do everything on time. Keep in mind that you need to give your landlord a notice to end your tenancy at least a month before you move. In most cases, you are even legally obliged to do so. If you fail to give your landlord the notice in due time, it might result in you owning an extra rent. This rent, which the landlord feels entitled to, can be easily taken out of your security deposit.
Another useful trick, when it comes to saving money when moving, is to make copies of all documents. Especially the notice of ending the tenancy. If everything goes south, you might need it as evidence in small claims court. We hope that it will never go that far, but it’s best to be prepared for anything.
Do a walk-through with your landlord
One of the best ways to be sure that you will get your security deposit back is to be in touch with your landlord. If you have informed them about your moving out then the next best thing to do is to have a walk-through of the place. This way, the landlord can express any complaints about the state of their property. And you, as a responsible tenant, should pay close attention to those complaints and try to fix them. If you want your deposit back, that is! Speak with your landlord about the state of items and furniture, and emphasize if any furniture belongs to you. Also, when choosing top movers in Tulsa, tell them which items they can move and which should stay behind. The last thing you want is to be accused of theft by your landlord. If that happens, say goodbye to your security deposit.
A good practice to follow on the first day in your new home, or even prior to moving in, is to do a walk-through with your new landlord. Check with them if anything is damaged or dysfunctional. And we mean everything:
- See if you can properly open and close every window
- Switch on all the lights and fans
- Check the bathroom installations (toilets, showers, drains, sprinklers, water heaters…)
- See if the locks and keys are operational and in a good state
This way, if you find anything out of place or inoperational, the landlord won’t be able to hold you accountable for it in the future.
Go through rental agreements and leases
A couple of months before your lease ends, go through rental agreements and leases. It’s important that you understand all the rules and obligations you have and must follow. By understanding your lease agreement, you’ll guarantee that you get your security deposit back. You’ll find answers to some of the questions like these in the paperwork:
- What is the acceptable state of the furniture? What is considered to be above normal wear of the materials?
- When should I give notice of moving out to the landlord? (Sometimes, you need to give the notice 45 or 60 days before the move, not the usual 30. So pay attention to that so you can get your deposit back!)
- What are my obligations to the landlords’ property?
A deep clean will increase the chances of you getting your security deposit back
Doing a deep clean before the landlord comes to take a look at the place is a must. It’s best to do this after the movers have done their job and loaded all your items in the van. While the top movers in Virginia Beach are efficient, they might leave a mess behind. Also, make sure that you do the cleaning thoroughly. Make all the surfaces shine and remove any dust. Vacuum the carpets and empty out the fridges. If the place is spotless, the landlord will more likely return the security deposit.
Make sure not to leave something of yours behind
If you leave any items behind, they will most likely become the landlord’s problem. That means that they will have to pay to get rid of those items. That way, you will be missing a chunk from the deposit or you won’t get it back at all. So, in order to get your security deposit back, discard all the items and furniture you won’t be bringing with you. An alternative is to rent a storage unit in which you can keep the items for some time.
To sum it up, relocating is an expensive process so you should make sure to get your security deposit back. Unfortunately, some landlords will actively look for ways to be able to keep the deposit for themselves. However, if you play by the rules and do everything in an orderly and neat fashion, that deposit will be yours.