Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's

Moving out? Get your security deposit back quickly with these simple tips

These tips for renters will help you save money

Shannon Cooper
By

Moving out of an apartment is already a hectic event. But when you’re trying to get your security deposit back from your landlord, that stress only grows. After all, that’s a large chunk of change you’re owed—and one that would be much better off in your savings account or going toward decking out your new place. Whether your landlord has been slow to return your deposit or you’re just anxious to get your money back, here are a few tips for renters to get your security deposit back in full without a fuss.

Couple packing moving boxes together
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Review your lease

When you decide to move out, one of the first things you should do is re-read your lease. This document lays out all the terms and conditions for ending your lease, giving your landlord notice about your move, and getting your deposit back. Oftentimes, your lease will also let you know how many days your landlord has to return the security deposit (usually 30-60 days after move-out) and any other move-out requirements. You may be required to return your keys, clean the property, and revert any alterations you made to their original condition before your deposit is returned.

Recommended Videos

Give your landlord proper notice

Giving proper notice before moving out is crucial to getting your full security deposit back. If you don’t give enough notice, you may be required to pay an extra month’s rent—even if you’re not living there. Not only will you have to give your landlord more money, but you may also have to wait longer to get your deposit back.

Related

Rules about lease termination vary from state to state and lease to lease. Typically, renters must give their landlords at least 30 days’ notice when they plan to move out. However, you can find your specific requirements in your lease. Be sure to provide your new address when giving notice so your landlord knows where to send your security deposit.

Document new and pre-existing damage

When you first move in, it’s important to document any pre-existing damage. Take photos and video of any holes or signs of other wear and tear. Send them to your landlord and keep copies for your own records. These pictures serve as proof that you aren’t responsible for the damage and ensure you won’t get stuck with the bill when you move out.

Take photos of any damage and wear and tear that you caused during your stay, too (especially if you don’t plan to repair it). If your landlord decides to deduct these expenses from your deposit, you can use these pictures to determine if you’ve been fairly charged.

Person applying sparkle to a wall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Complete small repairs

In most cases, your landlord will likely charge you more for repairs than it would cost to do yourself. But don’t go overboard with apartment repairs. You should only tackle projects that you can complete quickly and inexpensively. Don’t fix things that were damaged before you moved in or make improvements to someone else’s property.

Focus on easy fixes like changing lightbulbs, replacing batteries in smoke detectors, and patching any holes you made in the walls. Even if you don’t have any DIY experience, learning how to fix a hole in the wall is simple. Simply apply a small amount of spackling putty to the hole, then use a putty knife to smooth it out. If you can, paint over the patch with the same color paint as the rest of the room.

If you painted any rooms, accent walls, or cabinets, you’ll also need to return them to their original color unless you previously worked out a deal with your landlord.

Undo any design upgrades you made

Personalizing your space is one of the best parts of having your own space. But when it’s time to move out, you’ll need to undo any design changes you made if you want to get your security deposit back. Remove contact paper or wallpaper that you hung. If you replaced the sink, bathtub, cabinet, or drawer fixtures, be sure to put the originals back on. Not only will this save your security deposit, but you’ll also get to bring your favorite fixtures with you to your new place.

Person sweeping dirt on floor into a dustpan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Deep clean

Before saying goodbye to your apartment for good, it’s best to clean the space one last time. Consider coming back to clean after moving out your furniture and boxes so you don’t miss those hard-to-reach areas. When you’re deep cleaning, you should:

  • Remove all trash and recycling
  • Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors
  • Clear out the fridge and pantry and wipe down shelves
  • Dust ceiling fans, blinds, window frames, and door frames
  • Clean the toilet, bathtub, and sink

Take everything with you

Don’t leave anything behind when moving out. Bring things you don’t want to keep out to the curb or to a donation center before you return your keys. If you leave furniture or personal belongings (especially large pieces), your landlord will have to hire someone to remove them—and most likely, that cost will come directly out of your deposit.

Do a final walk-through with your landlord

Ask your landlord to complete a final inspection after you’ve moved your belongings, made repairs, and cleaned up. Walk through every room to assess the repairs you’ve made and any existing damage. Ensure your landlord is satisfied with each room and negotiate any costs that may be deducted from your security deposit. Be sure to get any agreements you make down in writing.

Know your rights

Landlord and tenant laws only protect your right to have your security deposit returned if you request it first. If you forget or don’t ask for it back, your landlord may never give you your deposit. Landlords typically have 30 days to return your security deposit, though this can vary depending on your lease. If you haven’t heard from your landlord within the timeframe, follow up to make sure they’re on top of it.

If your landlord is still resistant to returning your deposit, it’s a good idea to learn more about your rights as a tenant. Renter’s rights vary from state to state, so do some research on your state’s laws. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development website is a good place to begin.

In general, these laws dictate how long a landlord has to return a security deposit and may set caps on security deposit amounts. Additionally, if part of or all the deposit isn’t returned, tenants can request an itemized list of deductions.

Getting your security deposit back shouldn’t have to be a fight. And with these tips for renters, it doesn’t have to be. By communicating with your landlord, making a few simple repairs, cleaning, and knowing your tenants’ rights, you can get your security deposit back into your bank account quickly and easily.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Shannon Cooper
Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
The best laundry bags for your delicates to save you time and money
Laundry bags are a must to avoid handwashing delicates
Person taking clothes out of the dryer

If you enjoy buying fine undergarments and expensive activewear, you know these items can be on the pricey side. When it comes to items that you spend your hard-earned money on, you want them to last. Lucky for you, gone are the days of handwashing delicate garments -- you can take good care of your investments simply by putting them in a laundry bag before throwing them in the washing machine. You will notice they look good and feel great longer than they used to. It’s amazing what a difference a little bag can make, and we promise you'll notice right away if you use the best laundry bags for delicates.

Using a laundry bag for your delicate garments is not only the best way to keep them in good shape, but it’s also a huge timesaver. If you don’t have time or don’t feel like washing anything by hand, these practical bags with fine netting and safe closures are a tried-and-true solution. In fact, you can use a laundry bag for anything that could get damaged in the wash. Compression leggings, cocktail dresses, and sweaters all love being safely stored in a laundry bag. Let’s take a look at the best laundry bags to protect the fabrics, such as your fancy lingerie and high-tech fitness clothes, so they last longer and stay looking great.
Tenrai Delicates Laundry Bag
Best overall

Read more
50% of people cry at least once when buying a home, survey finds: Tips to reduce your stress
buying a home stress leads to tears stressed woman

Buying a home can be stressful. Before you even start looking at houses, you have to think about the neighborhood: Is it in a good school district? Are there restaurants and nightlife nearby that you enjoy? Can you even afford this area? You’ve got to figure out your budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, find a realtor that you like — and that’s all before you’ve even looked at a single house.

Then, you need to decide what house features are important to you. What architectural style do you want? How much square footage do you need? What questions are essential to ask before putting in an offer on a house?

Read more
Save money on spring cleaning: 8 creative ways to get cleaning supplies cheap
cleaning supplies o a countertop

So you’re ready to spring clean, but you’re running low on supplies. Are you out of cleaning essentials, such as disinfectant spray, wipes, soaps, sponges, and vacuum bags? If you’re eager to do a deep clean of your home but you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to know how to get cleaning supplies cheap.

There are many different ways to find cheap cleaning supplies. Some of them require flexing your DIY skills, while others involve couponing or getting a little resourceful. For a fabulous spring cleaning that won’t break the bank, try these eight creative ways to get cleaning supplies cheap.

Read more