Guest Post by our Student Ambassador at University of Illinois, Seth Faber
The number one complaint my friends and classmates have about their landlords is that they never get their deposit back. It’s pretty common for words like “cheated” or “thief” to be tossed around in these conversations. In all honestly, when someone takes your money, why wouldn’t you use these words and feel cheated?
This feeling and the mere idea of their landlord keeping the deposit leads people to some pretty crazy behavior. From publicly calling your landlord out on the internet, to threatening legal action, few things seems off limits after your landlord has only returned part of your deposit.
Whether landlords actually plan on taking your deposit or simply have unattainable expectations for the apartment’s condition, here are some proactive tips that I’ve found successful in getting more of your deposit back:
Fill out your check-in and damage forms
This is your first line defense against your landlord keeping your deposit. Fill out the forms your landlord gives you and return them in the time frame they ask. This is also a great opportunity to ask for any repairs the apartment needs. Make a list of all the damages you observe that don’t quite fit into the confines of the given forms. Sign and date this list, hand it in with the required forms and ask for repairs to be done. It’s also a good idea to take photos and provide them to your landlord; burn them to a cd, email them, or print them out. This is important since it will be the first time you communicate with your landlord as a tenant and it’s good to set the pretense that you can ask your landlord to do repairs when they are needed and that you expect a response.
Report and document any damages that occur
As you live in your apartment, report any damages that occur to your apartment. For example, if your ceiling begins to leak or the pipes under your sink drip, report it. The best method for reporting is in email; it documents the issue and allows you send photos as well. When your landlord fixes the problem that is one less thing that can be held against your deposit at the end of your lease, not to mention you won’t have to live with the damages.
Know your apartment’s maintenance man/woman
Often times, especially if your landlord is a management company with multiple properties, your apartment building has its own maintenance man. It is sometimes the case that the maintenance man will actually do the final walk through to determine your deposit after you’ve moved out. You’ll have opportunities to meet this person as they do repairs in your apartment. These meetings are great opportunities to get to know them and befriend them. A few minutes of courtesy and friendliness now could go a long way in getting your deposit back later. Plus, it might get you preference when you’re apartment needs a repair.
Ask for a walkthrough before you move out
Ask your landlord to schedule a walk through before you move out. During the walkthrough ask them what you need to do to get your full deposit back. Make a list as you do the walkthrough and at the end your walkthrough ask your landlord that if the issues listed are all remedied if you’ll get your full deposit back. Keep adding to the list and asking until you get a yes. Then ask your landlord to sign and date the list you’ve made noting that completing all the items on your list will get your full deposit back. It’s also not a bad idea to have a witness present and to take pictures in case your landlord won’t sign your list.
Take more pictures and check out
After you’ve cleaned, take pictures of your cleaned apartment. When you check out, hand your landlord a copy of the list you made during the walk through and any pictures you have related to the list. Ask your landlord to give you your deposit back now since you’ve done all they asked and can prove it. If they won’t give it to you ask when you can expect it, tell them that you’ll be in touch with them then if you have yet to receive your deposit by that time.
Aside from being more likely to get your money back at the end of your lease, holding your landlord accountable to your expectations (and being friendly to the maintenance man) will lead to an overall more enjoyable lifestyle at home. I hope these tips help achieve both of those things for you!
