How do you get the security deposit returned after the lease ends? Some tenants assume they never will. Some landlords make it difficult to get it back. To make sure you do, it's helpful to know a little about how it works. In other words: Your responsibilities and the Landlord's obligations. If you are leaving before the end of the lease, that's called breaking the lease. Breach of lease usually results in forfeit of the entire security deposit. But this is about leaving "in accordance with the terms of the lease". So the first step is to stay the entire term. Second, read your lease and determine how much notice must be given to the Landlord or management company. Make sure it is in writing or whatever method is prescribed. Calling the Landlord may not be sufficient. Assuming the notice is properly given, the Landlord is required to send a final statement within 45 days after you return the keys. That statement will show security deposit and interest on that amount (over the term of the tenancy), credited to your account from which all the unpaid invoices, utilities, damages, and allowable repairs are subtracted. Allowable repairs can not include normal wear and tear. For example, you can not be charged for repainting or a leaking faucet. Holes in the wall, however, a room painted by the tenant without permission, or broken windows are examples of legitimate damages. If you were evicted then all legal costs plus the cost to move your belongings out are also chargeable to your account. Let's say, however, you exited normally. To get the deposit back you need to make all the repairs before the management company does their walk-through. Your objective is to restore the property to it's original condition less normal wear and tear. To recall how the house looked when you moved in, use the move-in-move-out form signed at move-in, as a guide to the original condition and damages. Fill all the nail holes, leave the floor clean of debris and sweep with a broom. Repair the screens, repaint rooms that you painted without permission, and clean the carpets. In other words, the landlord should not have to do much except paint and clean in order to re-rent. If all this was done then make sure that your statement and refund are received within the 45 days after the keys were tuned in. If the statement arrives after this period or not at all, you may be entitled to three-times your security deposit in compensation! Getting your full deposit returned takes a little work but it's certainly worth it if you're willing to do your part. Ask your Landlord for specific guidance as to what must be done to get the deposit back. Remember, they rather you do the repairs, major cleaning etc, because the property can be shown and re-rented that much sooner. Another way to look at it is; if it takes you eight hours of cleaning and repairing to get back a $1000, that's $125/hr and probably a better hourly rate than you make at your current job! 77th Meridian, LLC offers professional property management for residential property in Anne Arundel and surrounding counties, including Baltimore City. ** WE'RE THERE, BECAUSE YOU CAN'T BE **
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