Atlanta Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
February 09, 2019

Moving Out: Tips to Get Back Your Entire Security Deposit

Moving OutBy Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Moving out of a rental property is truly one of those situations that just about everybody is experienced with. The majority of us, when moving out of a rental house or apartment, are counting on the security deposit for helping cover the price of the move. That's a month if not more of rent that could be utilized as a down payment for the new place, to recover your drained savings, or to pay for furniture as well as supplies you would like after moving. And to get that deposit back, you will need your property owner to have no grounds in order to make deductions.

Today, that is what we're here to discuss. In order to ensure you get 100% of the security deposit returned when you move in Atlanta this time, here is the regimen that works for virtually every expert renter.

Clear Areas When Packing

It can be a prevalent myth that you can only start repairing a house once all the items is moved out. However this is how you end up running yourself to the last day with no time to clean or complete repairs. You should get on track when you get started packing.

Start with less used rooms and places like the spare bedroom or maybe your closet. As you pack, completely clear out every space, piling all of the boxes in the corner or maybe a section of the living room. The more you pack, the more of your residence will be empty and thus very easy to inspect. This can be the most effective way to be sure you notice any concerns whilst you still have time to repair them.

Inspect Everywhere for Indications of Damage

Never assume that while you have not noticed any damage to the property or apartment that the property owner won't come across any. There are a variety of minimal things that your eyes just don't concentrate on which your landlord might zero in on like a bloodhound. Marks on your wall, discolorations on the flooring, nail holes, along with wobbly fixtures may likely become reductions to your security deposit should your property manager discovers and spends money to fix them.

But not if you find them to begin with. Put on your inspector cap and review the house using a fine-tooth brush. Inspect each and every wall for damage, every last baseboard, every single door and also cabinet. It will be okay to depart the property better than when you moved in to make sure there's nothing that can reduce your security deposit once you move out.

Take an inventory of everything you notice and also the materials you'll need to perform repairs.

Plug Nail Holes and Minor Repairs

Next, complete the repairs. Don't merely observe that they need accomplishing. Nail holes will be an issue for many property owners and in case you hung anything up from paintings to window treatments, you'll want to fill them back in. A bit of putty or spackle will do the job and if your walls are white, you might not even need a paint touch-up.

Look after various other minor repairs as well. The good news is that you can purchase inexpensive repair kits for nearly anything online. From scuff marks in the wood flooring to squeaky cupboard drawers. Oh, and consider reserving a steam vapor cleaner for a day to clean up the carpets. Should there be any blotches that are notably hard to clean, consider using a baking soda solution and using a nail brush in circles on the blemish or sticky space.

Move Household Furniture by using Foot Pads and Blankets

Whenever moving your furniture out, the very last thing you wish to do is leave behind any additional scrapes. Moving big furniture pieces could be tough and there's always a chance of scuffing a wall or doorway whilst trying to get through. And, if you can't fully lift the items of furniture, you want to keep floors safe from scuff marks and scratches.

Luckily, this answer is simple: Blankets as well as foot pads. Pertaining to furniture that you intend to slide part of the way, make sure it's got felt floor protectors attached on or, in a pinch, wash cloths secured by using rubber bands around the feet. Concerning corners and doorways, all you should do is cover the sides of the household furniture in bathroom towels or maybe blankets to prevent a scrape.

Don't Leave Things Behind in Atlanta

Deserted belongings are just about the most frequent reasons for security deposit conflicts. Never leave a stack of stuff which failed to squeeze into your vehicle. If you do, the landlord is A) obligated to check and see if you would like it and B) is saddled with the charges for clearing it out.

Whilst they could toss or donate the items, it's likely that your landlord is going to pay a trash service to come collect it and then bill the fee to your security deposit. To avoid this, make time to clear positively every one of your own things out of the house in advance of leaving.

Snap Pictures of Everything

Moving tip take picturesAlmost all property owners are good private property owners merely transforming their properties into a advantageous kind of profit. Just a few may be looking for any means to force extra cash from tenants.

In such uncommon scenarios, landlords are known to allege problems that weren't there and even cause and take pictures of the damage themselves after a renter moves out. All purely to take a little or their entire security deposit. Hence, like a renting master, the best option is to take photos of your own just before you give over the keys.

Consequently, on your last day when the residence is wholly bare, go on a total photo-snapping expedition of the property. Which includes both sides of every last door along with the insides of closets and even kitchen cabinets. Be positive that the residence was in exceptional condition at the time you left in case that any type of questions appear later on regarding 'damage' you did not bring about.

Give Over the Key Appropriately

Some property managers are extremely choosy pertaining to handing over the property keys, and some might not be. Particularly if you accidentally take a key away with you when you move out.

Property owners that are fussy concerning keys could also be likely to bill you for a new key or even for the expense of replacing the locks. This is an unnecessary basis to lose a portion of your security deposit, so be sure to give the key over exactly the way the owner wants.

Supply a Forwarding Address

Lastly, make certain you provide the property manager a forwarding address. This is the official means they will get hold of you to send the security deposit along with their listing of infractions assuming they actually do somehow locate something wrong with the residence or apartment you just moved away from.

Consequently always, always, always give your property manager a forwarding address so that you can ensure you get your deposit and take care of any documentation just in case they attempt to pull a trick to keep a part of your money.

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The majority of property managers really are extremely practical, fine people who want to give your security deposit back in full. With these tips, it is possible to move from your rental leaving it in exceptional condition, and you'll see that deposit comfortably back in your pocket before you know it. Not to mention, if the landlord does attempt some shenanigans, then you already know that the home was in fantastic order and can dispute effectively using photos to demonstrate it.

Here At A-1 Freeman Moving Group, we have assisted customers with utterly all types of moves in Atlanta, from local to long-distance to international residential moving. And in our over 40 years in business, we've figured out quite a lot of tactics and key approaches for reducing the trouble of this tedious and time-consuming moving process. For more great tips to move like a professional, contact us today!

 

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