Increasing the Odds of Getting Your Rent Deposit Back

Increasing the Odds of Getting Your Rent Deposit Back

We’ve all either heard stories about or been a part of a situation where a landlord has kept all or part of a rent deposit for one reason or another. What can you do to maximize the odds you will not be in a similar situation? Here are some steps you can take to make sure you get back what you should reasonably deserve.

Understand the Terminology

Landlords may use a variety of terms when leasing space. They may call a fee an application fee, deposit, security deposit, cleaning fee, or first or last month’s rent. Here’s a quick definition of each:

  • Application Fee. This is what a potential landlord charges you just to consider you as a tenant. It usually covers the costs of a background or credit check and the time it takes to confirm employment, rental record and/or personal references. This is not refundable.
  • Deposit or Security Deposit. A fee a landlord charges to ensure the property will be reasonably taken care of, subject to reasonable wear and tear. If the property is damaged, the landlord can deduct the costs of repairs from this deposit.
  • Cleaning Deposit. This is intended to cover the costs of returning the property to the condition it was in when initially leased.
  • First and/or Last Month’s Rent. This can only be used for rent and not to cover the costs of damage unless stated so in the lease.

Document the Condition of the Property Upon Move-In

Note any items that are in disrepair or non-working through notes and images. Send a copy to the landlord.

Ask Your Landlord

At the outset and upon notification that you will be moving out, simply tell your landlord it is your intention to get all of your deposit back at the end of the lease, and for any final instructions on what you need to do that.

Document the Condition of The Property at Move Out

Take an additional set of images once you have moved your belongings out and have cleaned it. Include interior photos of cupboards and closets. Include these images in a dated, written request for the full return of your deposit upon move-out.

Although you may still have issues getting your full deposit returned to you, you will certainly improve your odds of doing so by taking the above steps. If the landlord still holds back your entire deposit you can file a claim in small claims court using your images and notes as evidence.

Protect your investment when renting by securing affordable renter’s insurance. Renters insurance can cover your furniture, personal property and even cover you from liability claims. Some personal electronics may be excluded, ask your independent agent for details. Contact us to get a no obligation price quote on renters insurance and get your coverage today!

Leave a Comment





When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?

March 18, 2024

From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads

March 15, 2024

Don’t Be a Sitting Duck: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

March 14, 2024

Beyond “My Beloved Spouse”: A Guide to Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

March 13, 2024

Rental Car Roulette: Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?

March 12, 2024

Bundling Up Your Homeowners Insurance: A Money-Saving Masterclass (or Myth?)

March 11, 2024

Bringing Home Baby: A Guide to Navigating the Joyful Chaos

March 8, 2024

See It All, Secure It All: The Hidden Benefits of Video Surveillance for Your Business

March 7, 2024

Life on the Edge? How Your Hobbies Can Affect Your Life Insurance Rates

March 6, 2024

The Costly Consequences of a DUI: Beyond the Backlash

March 5, 2024

Home Sweet (and Secure) Home: The Dynamic Duo of Maintenance and Insurance

March 4, 2024

5 Hot Cities Millennials Are Flocking To (and Why They’re So Awesome)

March 1, 2024

From Ride-Sharing to Reality: 5 Billion-Dollar Ideas Born in the Last Decade

February 29, 2024

Unveiling the Different Players (and Why We’re Your Guide!)

February 28, 2024

Beyond the Beep Beep: Unveiling the World of Supercars

February 27, 2024

Home Sweet Home, Protected Home: Why Upgrades Need Insurance Check-Ups

February 26, 2024

Beyond Nicknames: The (Sometimes Bizarre) Tales of How American Cities Got Their Names

February 23, 2024

Small Biz Squad Unite! Why Independent Insurance Agents Are Your Secret Weapon

February 22, 2024

Cracking the Code: Cash Value, Loan Value, Surrender Value – It’s All in the Life Insurance Policy!

February 21, 2024

Buckle Up for Safety: Are Cars Getting Smarter Than Crashes?

February 20, 2024

Love Your Home, Love Your Coverage: Smart Tips for Homeowners

February 19, 2024

From Herbie to Christine: Cars That Stole the Spotlight (and Maybe Your Heart)

February 16, 2024

Decoding Your Business DNA: Why SIC Codes Matter (and How We Can Help!)

February 15, 2024

Beyond the Payout: 6 Unexpected Perks of Life Insurance You Might Not Know

February 14, 2024

AutoPay Your Car Insurance? Cruise Control or Speed Trap?

February 13, 2024

Don’t Gamble with Your Home: Decoding the Odds with Homeowners Insurance

February 12, 2024

Employee vs. Contractor: Sorting the Suit from the Solopreneur

February 8, 2024

Poppin’ Pills and Counting Coins: America’s Prescription Drug Dilemma

February 7, 2024

Car Crash Calamity

February 6, 2024

Simple Steps to Keep Your Home a Flame-Free Zone

February 5, 2024

Ditch the Dinosaurs, Embrace the Dill: Your Guide to Quirky Museums Across the USA

February 2, 2024

Home Biz Hero: Should You Suit Up with Business Insurance?

February 1, 2024

Ditch the Piggy Bank, Grab the Plan: Your Adulting Health Insurance Guide

January 31, 2024

Oh Deer! Crash Course on What to Do After Hitting an Animal

January 30, 2024

Unveiling the Origins of Everyday Expressions

January 26, 2024

New Year, New Armor: 6 Ways to Shield Your Business in 2024

January 25, 2024

Life Insurance: Who’s Who in the Zoo (of Coverage)?

January 24, 2024

Private Property Crash? Don’t Panic, Just Play CSI! (Well, Sort Of)

January 23, 2024

Big Game Halftime Shows We Can’t Forget

January 19, 2024

Professionally Awesome, Legally Untouchable

January 18, 2024

Don’t Fear the Four

January 17, 2024

Cruisin’ Through Time

January 16, 2024

Treasure Trove or Insurance Trouble?

January 15, 2024

Baby Name Game: From Mary to Olivia, 100 Years of Popular Picks

January 12, 2024

Ditch the Clichés, Cupid! Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas That Spark Joy, Not Debt

January 12, 2024

Oops! Employee Mishaps Got You Down? Insurance to the Rescue!

January 11, 2024

Cracking the Code: Why Your Health Insurance Bill Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

January 10, 2024

Beyond Driving the Basics: 15 Life Skills Young Drivers Need (Before They Need Them)

January 9, 2024

Homeowner’s Insurance Secrets Revealed: 7 Quirky Factors Affecting Your Rates

January 8, 2024

The Fab Four: Unveiling Surprises About the Beatles

January 5, 2024

Bricks and Mortar: Protecting Your Small Business with Comprehensive Insurance

January 4, 2024

New Year, New Resolutions: 5 Ways to Refresh Your Life Insurance

January 3, 2024

Roadway Chaos: Dangers and Responsibilities of Unsecured Loads

January 2, 2024

Unveiling the Value: Why Knowing Your Home’s Worth Matters

January 1, 2024

Business Size: From Mom-and-Pop to Market Leader

December 29, 2023

Life Insurance: Understanding the Benefits of Term Insurance

December 28, 2023

Ride Smart, Ride Protected: Understanding Motorcycle Insurance

December 27, 2023

Take Control of Your Homeowners Insurance: The Benefits of Paying Separately

December 26, 2023

Unveiling the Enchantment of Christmas: Traditions, Legends, and Global Celebrations

December 25, 2023

5 Most Unusual Places to Visit in Florida

December 22, 2023

Contact Us

-CONTACT US

OUR LOCATION

Have A Question?

We have an answer. Call us at 1-510-520-1883

1101 Marina Villiage Parkway, Suite 201, Room 251 Alameda, CA 94501

1-510-520-1883
CA License #0M21003

© Copyright 2024 Elisa Lee Insurance Agency, LLC  |   All Rights Reserved
Site by ICA Agency Alliance

1101 Marina Villiage Parkway, Suite 201, Room 251 Alameda, CA 94501
1-510-520-1883
CA License #0M21003

© Copyright 2024 Elisa Lee Insurance Agency, LLC  |   All Rights Reserved
Site by ICA Agency Alliance