Renting is a great option if you don’t have the money to purchase a home yet. If you’re ready to leave your rental, though, remember the security deposit you put down when you signed the rental agreement. Is the home in good condition, or might it need a little help to make it look like it did when you moved in? If you want your security deposit back in your pocket, here are some tips.
Repair what Needs It
Normal wear and tear is expected when you live somewhere for a long period of time, but what are some small repairs you can make that are outside the norm? Small changes make a big difference to landlords.
- There’s probably a great story behind that hole in the drywall, but the owner probably won’t appreciate it very much. Patch any holes that you can, or if you live in the area, look for a specialist who does drywall repair Pensacola.
- Do a walkthrough and turn on all the lights in the home. Replace any burned-out lightbulbs that you see.
- Paint over any scuffs in the walls. Make sure to match the existing paint exactly so that the landlord doesn’t have something else to complain about!
Clean, Clean, Clean
It was in pristine condition when you moved in, it needs to be just as beautiful when you move out. Don’t underestimate how big an impact that a good scrubbing will make.
- The bathroom is a biggie. You want to be sure that the toilet, shower and sink are absolutely spotless, and that the drains are all flowing smoothly. Make sure to unclog anything that seems to be backed up. For a finishing touch, spray down the mirror with Windex.
- The kitchen needs to have no trace that you lived there. Empty the refrigerator and clean it thoroughly, and give the same attention to the microwave and stove. If there are scorch marks on the drip pans, don’t bother trying to clean them off; instead, replace them. Drip pans are cheap and easy to replace. Don’t forget to vacuum and dust between the walls and the big appliances.
- Sweep the floor and vacuum and clean the carpet. If you have pets this is especially important: The new tenant definitely doesn’t want their new home to smell like a kennel.
It takes some work, but security deposits are not cheap. Do everything in your power to be sure that your rental is spotless and you get your hard-earned money back.
