Deductions from Deposits

Joline

Common Reasons Why Landlords make deductions from Deposits

old and worn chair
When you move into a rental house or apartment, your landlord will most likely ask you for a deposit before you move in. The deposit amount is usually two to three hundred above the amount of a monthly rent payment. The reason why landlords ask for a deposit up front is so that they can have a safety net and some money to fall back on if any damages are done to the property or the property is not cleaned properly when tenants move out. If you are moving into a rental and want to ensure that you get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy, you can set yourself up well by gaining information on and being mindful of what could cause a landlord to make deductions from your deposit. First and foremost always fill out your move-in check-in list and take pictures. Your move in check in list is your foundation for your move out and a record of the condition of the property at the time of your move in. As property managers in Redding, we would like to provide you with some of the most common reasons why landlords end up withholding deposits from tenants.
  • Damages to the property – If your rental is not furnished, this can include damages to any of the major appliances, countertops, floors, walls, bathroom appliances, you name it. If your rental is furnished, this can include all of those things as well as any damages that may occur to the furnishings in the house including couches, chairs, tables, lamps, mirrors, and even decorations. If damages occur to any of the furnishings, your landlord may take it out of your deposit or may personally ask you to replace whatever is damaged. As you move into and live in your rental house or apartment, simply be mindful of the property and treat it the way you would if you owned it.
  • Cleanliness – Depending on your lease, whenever you move out, a landlord will expect you to clean all areas of the house. If you have Roommates, you would want to all take the same care during the move-out, your landlord will do a walk through after you move and will determine based on cleanliness and the condition of the house and yard if there will be any deductions from your deposit. The easiest way to ensure getting your deposit back is to keep your areas clean throughout the year and then put extra effort into deep cleaning your areas before you move out. You may also request a pre-move out walk through two weeks before your move out. A pre-move out walkthrough is where you and your landlord walk through the property, and any possible issues that may be charged to your deposit are pointed out. Pre-move out walkthroughs are your legal right and a great opportunity to not be surprised when you receive your move-out accounting. Your landlord or Property Manager will check all aspects of cleanliness of the house, the carpet, and yard and look for any damages that weren’t there before your move-in. 
woman with cleaning supplies
  • Decorations – Be sure to ask your landlord before you put tacks or nails into the walls to hang things. Your landlord may not want holes in the wall and may take money out of your deposit if you hang things that way. Also, be sure to ask before you paint anything. Most landlords will not allow tenants to paint the walls. Make sure to bring up all of these things with your landlord before you make these decisions.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can best prepare for renting and moving into your first home or apartment as well as how you can maintain a great relationship with your landlord, feel free to call us at 530-410-6085! We do property management in Redding and Shasta County and would love to help you in any way we can!

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Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or professional advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific advice.

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