Let’s Talk Security Deposits with a Property Manager
By Summer Tarrabain, Property Manager at Power Properties
Here are my tips on how to get your security deposit back at your move-out and how to make it as effortless as possible.
Check your account for arrears
Double-check your account to ensure you don’t have any late fees, missed rent, missed utility bills or other charges on your account. These items will be the first things deducted from your security deposit.
Don’t forget to clean everywhere!
Ensure you are cleaning all areas of the house before your move-out inspection. The most common missed places are baseboards, window sills, window tracks, ovens, changing furnace filters and changing humidifier filters.
Check the condition of the home
Take a look around the property, are there any holes in the walls? Is there any damage? Did you break anything? All those items will be deducted from your security deposit. This does not include the general wear and tear and the condition of the house when you received it, so if there were pre-existing items on the move-in report, then you won’t be deducted for those items.
Once you are finally done, moved out, and you’ve signed your move-out report. Your landlord has 10 days to send you the statement of account, or estimated statement of account. If there are deductions, your landlord has 30 days to get the work done and send you a final statement of account.
Most importantly, take a look at your lease, and ensure you know what you’re responsible for at the end of your term, and what your landlord is responsible for, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
If you are moving out this month, good luck, and I hope you do get your security deposit back!
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