A survey found that 26% of renters have lost their security deposit at least once.
This can be incredibly frustrating, as you can lose a significant amount of money that you may need for your next security deposit, or even want to put towards buying your own place.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your rental bond.
Read on as we look at five ways to ensure you get all of your security deposit back.
- Read Your Rental Agreement
The first thing you should do when you rent a place is read carefully through your rental agreement.
This will tell you exactly what you can and can’t do so that you’re fully aware of what things could stop you from getting your full security deposit back.
Keep it somewhere to hand too, as you may want to consult it during the term of your rental. For example, if you want to hang a picture, it may tell you whether you can put hooks into the walls, or whether you’ll need permission first.
- Take Your Own Photos
When you first move into the property, take photos of any damage or issues that you find.
Send copies of these to your landlord, so that you have evidence of the state of the property when you took it over. When it comes to the end of your tenancy, it means that the landlord can’t blame you for any damage that occurred before you moved in.
- Keep It Clean
How clean you want to keep your place when you’re living in it is up to you, but remember that it will need to be returned to a state similar to how you found it at the end of your tenancy.
If you keep your place fairly clean throughout your stay, it make it much easier when giving it a final blitz before you move out. If you want the job done properly, it’s always worth considering hiring professional house cleaners who have experience in helping people get their rental bonds back.
- Don’t Lose Your Keys
However many sets of keys you were given when you moved in, you’ll need to give the same number back. If you’re not using a set, be sure to keep them somewhere safe, as if you don’t give them all back when you leave, you could be charged for them.
- Attend the Final Inspection
When your landlord makes their final inspection of the property, ask if you can go with them.
That way you can be sure that you’re not being held liable for anything that wasn’t your fault. You can also argue your case if your landlord does find anything that concerns them.
Don’t Lose Your Rental Bond!
There’s nothing worse than losing your rental bond over something that was easily preventable.
By following these tips, you’ll reduce the chances of losing your bond which means you get your money back and your landlord gets their property back in good condition. It’s a win-win.
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