5 Steps to Take Before Moving Out of An Apartment
Getting your rental deposit back upon leaving an apartment is not guaranteed — a fact that many first-time renters overlook. Though moving is a stressful process that can easily lead to forgetfulness, it is important to complete the following five steps in order to ensure that you do receive a full refund of your initial deposit.
- Deep Clean. Kitchen appliances and windows are the most important home fixtures to clean when leaving an apartment, as they are the easiest items to notice. That being said, you should also dedicate adequate time and money to deep-cleaning your carpets, bathrooms, and bedrooms if you hope to avoid financial consequences.
- Touch up the Paint Job. From nailing up small photos to repainting entire rooms, most renters cause “damage” to the original paint job at some point during their stay. This is why spackling, spot-painting, and/or returning the apartment to a standard “renters white” are all important components of move-out preparation.
- Gather All Your Things. You might think that leaving behind a few half-empty bottles of cleaning chemicals is as convenient for the new tenant as it is for you — but your landlord is unlikely to agree. Emptying your apartment entirely (even if it means throwing out a few potentially usable items), is smarter than risking fines for an incomplete move out.
- Find Every Last Copy of Your Keys. Failure to turn in all key copies could force your landlord to change the lock and key set. (Surprise, you will be the one footing the bill!)
- Document Everything and Know How the Law Protects You. Unfortunately, some landlords attempt to keep deposits unjustly — and this is why knowing your rights, documenting your move out process, and keeping the contact information of a good small claims firm on hand are all smart decisions. Visit Ace Small Claims online today for more info.