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>Renting
Laws >Security Deposits
>Protect your deposit
Protect
Your Deposit
The
following steps can help ensure that you will get your security
deposit back. Most likely, your landlord will refund your deposit in
full if you follow these steps.
- Carefully
list ALL existing damages in the Damage Lists
when moving in and out. Describe the condition of the place in
regard to cleanliness. If it is a furnished apartment, make an
inventory list of all the furniture provided so that you are not
charged for "missing" pieces that were never there in
the first place. Make sure the landlord accompanies you as you
inspect; if this is not possible, have a friend or a neighbor
witness the inspection. Be sure to have the landlord and/or your
witnesses sign the checklist, and make a copy for your records. If
you need to send a checklist or “item(s) of dissent” to the
landlord be sure to send it by registered mail. If possible, get a
written agreement from the landlord to complete any necessary
repairs to the current damages of your apartment with definite
dates for completing these repairs.
- It
is highly recommended that you take photographs of your apartment,
including individual rooms and specific items to record any damage
that already exists and to record the general condition of the
apartment. Keep these pictures in your file of rental documents
(see Introductory Advice).
- Pay
your rent in full and on time. Keep a record of your payments.
- Take
care of the premises. Contact the landlord promptly if something
needs repaired. If s/he doesn't respond right away, notify
him/her in writing about the defect and keep a copy for your
records.
- When
you move out, it is advisable to clean the apartment. If your
apartment is excessively dirty, the landlord can deduct cleaning
charges from your deposit. It will be cheaper if you clean it
yourself. Tenants are required to leave the premises in the same
condition as when first rented, with the exception of normal wear
and tear. If you never vacuumed your carpet in a year's time, or
the cat had a few accidents, the landlord may charge you for the
cost of having it cleaned. You should definitely repair any
damages (e.g. broken furniture or significant holes in the wall).
- LEAVE
A FORWARDING ADDRESS with your landlord so that s/he
knows where to send your deposit.
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