What Cleaning and Repair Charges Can a Landlord Deduct from Your Security Deposit?

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What Cleaning and Repair Charges Can a Landlord Deduct from Your Security Deposit?

Nancy Burgess · Nov 7, 2011

Security deposits are used to cover excessive damage done by a renter. They’re kept as a means if insurance, so the renter can’t leave the rental property without paying for damages.

To Protect Against Damages Exceeding Expected Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear of the property is anticipated by every landlord, but reckless damage or neglect on the part of the renter are not tolerated. Such circumstances are justification for the landlord to exercise use of the security deposit. Remember, living in filth and leaving the apartment in total disarray is also considered to be neglectful. A security deposit can be used for repairs and/or cleaning the apartment.

Protect Yourself by Marking Down Damages on the Day of Move in

Be proactive before signing the lease. Carefully inspect the property and list any current condition the needs repair or cleaning. Don’t accept potential financial responsibility for something that preceded your lease conditions.

Being responsible for the rental property is the cardinal rule to getting your entire security deposit back when your lease ends. The landlord’s expectation is that a renter will leave the property in livable condition upon moving out. This refers to structural damage as well as cleaning the property. The owner can deduct a variety of cleaning and repair charges from the security deposit, under certain circumstances.

Responsibilities: The Lardlord’s and the Tenant’s

The best insurance to guarantee being refunded your entire security deposit is to treat the rental property with care and respect. No one is asking you to sit quietly on the sofa for the duration of your lease. Have fun, chill out, party and entertain your friends but don’t be careless or destructive. Accidents do happen; everyone understands that, even the landlord. Repairs will be needed along the way—just don’t cause unnecessary, avoidable damage to the apartment. In most cases, care and respect of the apartment will insure that you get your entire security deposit back upon vacating the property.

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