Paying a security deposit can be confusing.
Paying a security deposit can be confusing. While it helps you hold onto your spot, it doubles as another financial hurdle to overcome. Taking care of the apartment you rent goes beyond calling maintenance in or making a request through your online resident portal. Some common sense – like house-breaking your pets – will definitely help you recoup your security deposit once you leave.
Create a Sound Plan
First things first, make a plan. This foresight will pay off when you eventually opt out of your lease. Start arranging this list of ideas before you begin moving in. Poster putty and removable hooks are nifty solutions for hanging up wall art, sentimental pictures, and tapestries without damaging the walls. It’s also a good idea to get some felt pads and put them underneath the chair and table legs so they won’t scratch the hardwood floors.
Improve Your Organizational Habits
Suppose that the beautiful new apartment represents a fresh start for you. Well, one way to achieve that goal is to get more organized. Keep all of your rental paperwork somewhere safe, where you can’t lose it or accidentally throw it out during a trash purge. Make sure you read them line-by-line to see if there’s anything in the fine print that you may have missed when you signed your lease. While this sounds inconsequential, you’ll end up salvaging more of your security deposit that way.
Start an Important Papers Binder
Yes, we briefly touched on this point in the above paragraph. The so-called “important papers” binder serves as a handy place to ensure that birth certificates, car insurance information, and marriage licenses can go. It can also be the vessel for your apartment paperwork. The principle of “fair wear and tear” is open to interpretation; it can also work against you. Take photos and record videos during the move-out process. Remember to do this at your previous residence, especially if you know that they can be unfair about the statements they apply to your tenant account. Confirmation emails and maintenance request records can also save you money.
Talk to Your Landlord
Being honest and communicative with your landlord will make a difference. Your management company is obligated to send you a notice informing you that your lease is about to expire. They’re also supposed to give you a chance to decline the automatic renewal. Set a firm move-out date and let the landlords know well in advance – some places require 90-days-notice, so that could potentially wreck your plans to exit the community.
Do a Comprehensive Deep Clean
This last piece of advice is one of the most important ones to follow. Your management company can choose to deduct your security deposit. That’s because the money will cover furniture replacements, new carpeting, and appliance upgrades if necessary. Carpets can mat, and fixtures such as toilet seats, showerheads, and kitchen cabinet knobs can break off. Do what you can to rectify those situations!
Let Us Welcome You Home to Your Fabulous New Apartment!
Here at Beechtree Apartments, we pride ourselves on providing you with luxurious living and affordable pricing. When you choose one of our fabulous new apartments in Calvert County or Southern Maryland, you can see how modern living meets modern-day conveniences. It’s easy to find us! Visit us at 200 Jenden Way Suite 101, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678. Are you social? Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! You can also reach us by phone at 443-432-3557!
