If you do not damage any properties of the apartment and comply with all the terms and conditions of the lease, then you can get a full refund of the security deposit within 30 days of moving out.
As the security deposit for landlords guarantees the safety of their property, be careful not to be in doubt while withdrawing the deposit.
A survey by security deposit platform Roost shows that only 41% of renters get their full deposit back. Even if these statistics are low, you could easily be one of them. Maintain the house or property well, follow all conditions from the first day of moving in to moving out, paying rent, tax, and fees on time.
One of my friends didn’t get full deposit back because of lack of evidence and unconsciousness of him. Today we’re going to help you out from this uncertainty with the depth of these things and what other steps you can take to get your deposit back.
Do you get your security deposit back when you move out?
Yes, you get deposit back when you move out. But but but! Some terms may delay the timing of a refund.
Have a look at them-
1. If you do not damage, destroy or lose any property of the apartment. And if you return the property to the landlord in the condition, it was in when you moved in. You’ll get deposit back from the landlord within 30 days of moving out. That my friend didn’t do and lost a portion of his deposit.
2. It may be more or less than 30 days. If you have signed a written lease. Then you will get deposit back from the landlord before the end of the tenancy. Suppose you moved out on 1st May 2023, but your tenancy ends on 31st June 2023. In that case, you will get a refund by June 31 instead of May 30.
3. If Landlord does not refund your deposit even after you have complied with all the terms and conditions, then you can take legal action by taking the landlord to small claims court. Many state laws are depending on the state.
How to get your security deposit back in Full
You may do all the things to get back the full deposit but leave some points. Here are detailed outline for you to make the task easy-
1. Don’t break your lease agreement
Try to follow the lease agreement when you are supposed to leave. Do not go too early or after your lease expires. And follow the terms and conditions carefully. As well, keep everything on time.
2. Be a good tenant
Even the most fussy landlord will have trouble finding something to complain about if you are the finest renter they have ever had. But doing so entails paying your rent on time, maintaining the home’s cleanliness, contacting the landlord only when it’s essential, and treating the place with respect.
3. Take photos and videos of the unit before you move in and out
Capture the entire condition of your apartment, the ins and outs of every little thing, any videos, and pictures before you move in. And do the same after moving out. It will contain your evidence, which will help you to get deposit back from landlord.
4. Keep your rental unit clean and in good condition
Keep your rental unit clean and tidy at all times. So that the landlord can’t deduct cleaning charges from you later on from the deposit.
5. Make any necessary repairs before you move out
If there is any damage to the apartment by you. Such as a big stain or broken on the wall or floor, paint peeling, broken window glass. Repair these before moving out and leave them in the same condition as when you moved in.
6. Give your landlord written notice of your intent to move out
Give your landlord at least one month’s written notice well in advance of moving out. It should be valid evidence of your move.
7. Meet with your landlord to do a walk-through of your rental unit
Before you move out, ask your landlord to inspect your rental unit while you are there. If possible, have a 3rd person as a witness.
8. Follow up with your landlord if you don’t receive your security deposit
If you do not receive the return of the security deposit within the specified time, take the return of the security deposit form from the local rental association, fill it up, and mail it to the landlord through a verified mail. And wait 7 days for their response.
9. Be prepared to negotiate
Have clear communication with your landlord. And highlight your points and rights.
10. Don’t be afraid to take legal action
If after all the above your landlord has trouble returning the deposit. Don’t hesitate to bring them under state law and choose the legal option.
How long does it take to get a deposit back from the apartment?
Usually, it takes 30 days to get the security deposit back, but sometimes it takes 21-60 days.
If you don’t damage, spoil or misplace anything in the apartment that belongs to the landlord, then you don’t need to pay for this. For example, keep the stove, floor, and wall as it was and do not get any stains on them. Normal wear and tear are excluded from this list. Then Landlord will refund your full deposit to you within 30 days.
But if they need to do any repairs or replacements to the apartment after you move out, Landlord still has to refund your deposit within a certain period. You may not receive a full refund in this case. But your landlord must mention how much they have cut and for what reason and attach them with proper evidence.
Otherwise, if you do not get a deposit back from the landlord within 30 or 60 days. Then you can fill out the return of the security deposit form and send it to the landlord by certified mail for a refund. And after the mail, you can wait 7 days for a response. If you don’t respond, then you can take legal action.
The best way to deal with an unresponsive landlord
If you are lucky enough, you can get a good landlord, who can be easily contacted. But it can also be the opposite. And dealing with such an unresponsive landlord is very difficult. Here are some ways you can deal:
- Keep all documents and evidence of your and the landlord’s agreement. As if they could not change their words.
- You can have a 3rd person as a witness when you and the landlord speak. They may be someone you know or a neighbor of yours in your building. This option can save my friend in his case.
- Instead of being aggressive, deal calmly. Give the landlord a specific time for a refund and communicate leaving no gaps.
- If they don’t respond within this time, you can mail them a refund form from the rental association.
- Know the state laws and get a detailed idea about your rights.
- You pay rent on time and pay bills. That there is no obligation against you.
What reasons can a landlord keep my deposit?
Usually, 59% of renters don’t think of getting a full refund back. You think you haven’t damaged the apartment or lost anything from there. But you can do it unknowingly. Here are the reasons why Landlord may deduct the balance from your deposit or keep the entire deposit-
If you leave the apartment without paying the rent before the end of the lease or in the middle of the month. Landlord may deduct the rent from your deposit. Additionally, if you leave utilities like bills, fees, and maintenance costs, the landlord can cut that money from the deposit.
Somehow, if you damage or lose anything in the property the landlord will deduct the cost of repairing or replacing it from your deposit.
However, items will not include normal wear and tear. Things like – dirty grout, loose handles of doors or kitchen, and bit holes in floors, walls, and carpets. But the reasons that may be the reason for your deposit cutting are – multiple and large holes in the walls, carpet, broken doors, cabinets, missing or broken countertops – things like that.
Suppose, you leave the garden, house, or washroom very dirty then the cleaner’s bill will be paid from your deposit because you have been using the place. Again, if the wall, floor, or carpet is crummy, the cost of renovating and replacing it will be borne by your deposit. Think it will cost $250 to clean a dirty carpet.
It comes down to whether a new one will be available at the same price, which will be minus your deposit.
Related Queries:
How long does it take to get a deposit back from an apartment?
Within 21-60 days, a landlord can charge you for damage after you move out.
Typically, landlords have a set amount of time after a tenant moves out. During which they can collect damages from them. Depending on the state, situation, rules and regulations, the time restriction may vary.
How long after you move out can a landlord charge you for damages?
Within 21-60 days, a landlord can charge you for damage after you move out.
Typically, landlords have a set amount of time after a tenant moves out. During which they can collect damages from them. Depending on the state, situation, rules and regulations, the time restriction may vary.
Can I get my security deposit back if I never signed a lease?
Yes, you can get your deposit back if you change your mind about moving in. But make sure that you haven’t signed the lease agreement yet.
But a provision in certain leases, however, can let you break the agreement if you give the landlord a specific period of notice. If you decide not to move in and haven’t signed a lease, you might be able to get your money back. However, the policies of the landlord will govern this.
If you give your landlord an advance notice, some landlords might agree to return your deposit. But few can be completely unwilling to return your deposit.
Do you get a security deposit back if evicted?
If you are evicted, you often are not entitled to get your security deposit back.
There are a few exceptions, though. You might be able to receive your deposit returned. For instance, if you are kicked out due to circumstances that were beyond your control, such as a natural disaster.
If you are evicted, you might not be able to obtain your security deposit back as -you have unpaid rent, the apartment was harmed by you and you disregarded your lease’s conditions.
Can I get my deposit back if I change my mind about moving in?
Yes, you can get your deposit back if you change your mind about moving in. But make sure that you haven’t signed the lease agreement yet.
But a provision in certain leases, however, can let you break the agreement if you give the landlord a specific period of notice. If you decide not to move in and haven’t signed a lease, you might be able to get your money back. However, the policies of the landlord will govern this.
If you give your landlord an advance notice, some landlords might agree to return your deposit. But few can be completely unwilling to return your deposit.
It is normal for you to move into one apartment and move out of one. However, we don’t want to have trouble getting the security deposit back. How can you get the deposit back? Again, due to any mistake on your side, you will not get a full refund, we have discussed here what you can do if a landlord has a problem with returning the deposit. Apart from this, let us know in the comments if you face any other problems getting the deposit back.
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