All apartments require a security deposit, but it’s possible to get all of that money back when you move out. That sum can be valuable as you transition into the next step in your life, so it’s important to do all that you can to have it returned. Here’s how to make sure the entirety of your security deposit goes back into your pocket.

Before & During Your Stay

Securing your deposit starts before you even move in. Carefully read the lease agreement and make a note of what you’re responsible for, as well as what rules you’ll need to follow. For example, some leases require you to fill in any holes you may have left in the walls.

Take a walk-through video of the apartment and capture pictures of dents, holes, stains, and other damages before you move in. Once you sign the lease, send these photos to your landlord. If they do not have them fixed, the evidence will assure them that you were not the one to cause the damage.

During your residence, you might wish to make changes to the apartment. Request permission from your landlord before any enhancements, such as shelving or paint jobs, and keep a record of all alterations.

Take precautions to avoid causing damage. For instance, you can use felt pads or furniture feet on sofas and tables to prevent scuffing hardwood floors and removable adhesive hooks to hang pictures instead of nails. Never call about maintenance requests. All correspondence with your landlord should be done via email or text, where you can save and produce written confirmation of your correspondence.

Before You Move Out

Once you officially decide to end your lease, leave your apartment looking exactly the same as when you moved in. The most important step is to conduct a thorough cleaning. That means vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and cleaning from floor to ceiling.

Try to scrub out any remaining stains, get behind and underneath the appliances, and reach door frames and ceiling fixtures. If the mess is significant, or the lease requires it, you might want to hire a professional cleaning service.

After you and your roommates have moved everything out, take pictures of each room to compare them to your move-in photos. Complete a final walk-through with your roommates to ensure none of you missed any messes or damages and make any necessary repairs.

You might even do a mock inspection with your landlord to clarify what needs to be cleaned or fixed before you leave. Always give your landlord an up-to-date forwarding address so they can send you your security deposit.

As a tenant, you want a dependable, responsive landlord. The reliable management team at Belmont Run and The Studios at Belmont in Lexington offers 24/7 emergency maintenance and exceptional service that will make you feel at home. Conveniently located near the University of Kentucky, this pet-friendly apartment complex features affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments with updated amenities, key-code entry doors for extra security, and internet and cable access. Check their website for current rental listings. To schedule a tour of their apartments, call (859) 254-8230 today. Follow them on Instagram for updates.