Real Property Management Lehigh Valley

6 Ways to Avoid Losing Your Security Deposit

According to a recent survey conducted by rent.com nearly 26% of renters claim to have lost their security deposit at the end of their lease. Of those that lost their deposit 26% said their landlord offered no explanation.

In order to ensure you keep your deposit follow some of these simple tips from US New and World Report. For the complete article click here.

1. Document the property's condition. Many disputes over security deposits occur because the landlord and tenant didn't document pre-existing damage such as stains on the carpet or holes in the walls, so note any damage before you move in.

2. Discuss expectations with your landlord. Read your lease and make sure you understand your landlord's policies.

3. Get written permission for any modifications. Renters don't have the freedom to customize their home the way an owner does. Before making modifications such as hanging a chandelier or affixing cupboard liners, run it by your landlord.

4. Clean the apartment before you move out. Some landlords or management companies vary in their definitions of clean.

5. Mind your pets. Tenants with pets often pay a separate pet deposit to cover damage from a cat that may urinate on the carpet or a dog that scratches up the floor. Some of this behavior may be inevitable, and you might not get your money back if the damage requires costly repairs.

6. Know tenants' rights in your state. Rules on tenants' rights and security deposits vary by state.