How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

What is a security deposit?

A security deposit protects a landlord's money if any of their property is damaged during their renter’s lease period. A security deposit might be used toward any repairs or replacement of appliances in a rental unit if any damage resulted from the actions of the renter. This deposit is usually about the same amount or more, as one month’s rent and is required before you move in. It is returned to the renter at the end of the stipulated lease period. However, deductions can be made, so here are a few tips to help ensure you get back your full security deposit!

How to get your security deposit back:

Be proactive. Upon move in, document any and all prior existing damages to your home.

To ensure that you aren’t held accountable for existing damages, make sure to take photos and send them to your landlord. This includes holes or dents in the walls, wears and tears, etc. You don’t want to be blamed for any existing damage!

Know your obligations. Review your lease before moving out.

Your lease should include the terms and conditions for getting the security deposit back. It should also outline the landlord’s obligations and when to notify your landlord that you’re moving out.

Deep clean your house.

Do a deep cleaning of your house. Clear out and wipe down the refrigerator, mop the floors, clean the toilets, scrub the sinks and showers, and vacuum the floors. A clean home will make it much more likely that your landlord will return the security deposit in-full.

Get rid of any junk.

Don’t be tempted to leave behind your furniture or boxes. Unless you have permission from your landlord, clear out anything that wasn’t there before. Junk removal charges can take a dent out of your deposit.

Ask the landlord to conduct a walkthrough.

This will allow you to focus on repairing what your landlord wants instead of wasting your time repairing things that don’t affect the retrieval of your security deposit. When your landlord alerts you of any damage, repair it right away.

Final inspection.

Do one last inspection of the rental to make sure everything is perfectly clean and ready for you to leave.

Related: What Should a Landlord Look for in a Rental Property Inspection?

Contact the landlord.

After you move out and have returned the keys, make sure you contact your landlord about your security deposit. They are usually returned to your new address within the next 30 days, but make sure to confirm this with your landlord.

Related: Renters: 7 Steps to Help You Get Back Your Security Deposit

When in doubt, leave the apartment the way you received it.

Simplify the Process with TaskRabbit

At Tellus, we want to make this an easy process for you. Through our partnership with TaskRabbit, we can do just that! Let TaskRabbit take the stress out of moving and help with the services you need to get your security deposit back.

• Moving Service
• Packing and Unpacking
• House Cleaning Services
• And More…

TaskRabbit is an American online and mobile marketplace that matches freelance labor with local demand, allowing consumers to find help with everyday tasks, including cleaning, moving, delivery and any repair work. It’s simple to use: press a button and help is on the way. TaskRabbit is here to make your life easier! You can choose your Tasker by reviews, skills, and price, then schedule when it works for you, chat, pay, tip, and review all through one platform!

Related: 7 Smart Tips to Make Moving a Breeze

With the partnership between Tellus and TaskRabbit comes an exclusive offer of $10 off of your bill with the code Tellus10, available to first time TaskRabbit users only.

Final Word

We work hard to make sure you don’t have to! TaskRabbit and their useful Taskers will make sure that your house is spotless and repaired so that you are able to receive your full security deposit back.

Book someone using code TELLUS10 and claim your $10 coupon today!