Getting your security deposit back

If you rent and are thinking of moving, here are a few tips to help you get your security deposit back, assuming of course that you have taken reasonable care of the rental and that you are on good terms with your landlord.

1. Get a written copy of what they want done prior to inspection. Each landlord is going to have a different list, so you need to know what is on it in order to make sure its done. Most lists include a general cleaning and lawmowing plus removal of all belongings.
2. If you have altered or changed anything durring your rental agreement, change it back. Unless you had written permission to do it of course.
3. Make sure everthing is in working order. This include changing light bulbs and checking cabinet knobs to see if they need tightening etc.
4. If you have clear shower doors that with "scum" on them. First try the traditional cleaners, if they do not work, take a rag with some Murphy's oil soap on it and lightly wipe them down. This will make the doors clear again under normal curcumstances. Best part, if it doesn't work, it washes off.
5. Vacccum at least twice before the inspection. Often the initial vaccuming will reveal stains that need treated. Treat the stains and then vaccum it again. If possible, do the last vaccuming as you are leaving so that the landlord can see the lines in the carpet to confirm you have done it.
6. Touch up the woodwork and moldings. Often rentals have painted woodwork/moldings making dents and scratches more aparent. If you landlord does not offer touch up paint, consider going to a hobby store to find a paint match. That way you can buy a bottle for around $1 to do the job and have a wider palate of colors to match from.
7. Do soething extra. Taking the time to sweep the walk or hose off the driveway will go a long with a new tennant so that means that it will go a long way when buttering up a landlord as well.
8. Take photos with a camera that has a date stamp. This will help prove what condition you left the rental in in case your have a landlord who says different.
9. If you do not get your full deposit back, ask for the deductions to be itemized. That that way you can decide if there are any deductiosn that you need to dispute. This is where your photos come in handy.