| The last thing you need on moving day is the stress | | | | you have a leaky faucet and your landlord denies or |
| of being told you're not getting your full damage | | | | ignores your request to have it fixed, you can't be |
| deposit back. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid | | | | held responsible for any damages caused by it, such |
| deductions from your deposit on move out day. | | | | as water damage to the walls or floors. It is also a |
| 1) Conduct a thorough move-in walk through. Make | | | | good idea to let your landlord know of any damages |
| sure you take your time to inspect the rental | | | | caused by vandals or a storm, when they happen. |
| property and have your landlord document | | | | 4) Read the fine print. Make sure you are aware of |
| everything, no matter how trivial it may seem. It is | | | | your responsibilities and what you can and cannot do |
| also a good idea to bring a camera and take dated | | | | to your property during your stay. If you want to |
| pictures of anything that is damaged, dirty or has | | | | paint the walls a new color, make sure it is |
| excessive wear and tear. After you have both | | | | documented somewhere that you are allowed to do |
| agreed on what was there before you moved in and | | | | so or you may be charged for having to change it |
| what you will be responsible for on move out day, | | | | back. |
| then you should both date and sign the document. | | | | 5) Treat it as your own. Clean it on a regular basis |
| 2) Keep documentation. The best way to avoid a | | | | and take good care of the appliances. Keeping it in |
| dispute over your damage deposit is to keep | | | | good shape during your stay will make it easier when |
| documentation. Ask for a copy of the walk through | | | | it comes time to move out. It's a good idea to keep |
| inspection that has been signed by both of you as | | | | some cleaning supplies handy during the move-out |
| well as any requests for repairs. Remember verbal | | | | inspection so that you can quickly wipe up any spills |
| agreements are not legal and binding, so be sure to | | | | your landlord points out that you may have missed. |
| get everything in writing. | | | | If you feel that you are being charged unfairly for |
| 3) Keep your landlord informed. If something gets | | | | damages by your landlord you can file a lawsuit in the |
| damaged during your stay, make sure you ask your | | | | Small Claims Court. |
| landlord to repair it as soon as it happens. This way if | | | | |