10 Tips to Get Your Deposit Back (in Full)

Paying a security deposit at the beginning of a lease can seem expensive and an inconvenient burden. However, if you receive the full amount back when you are moving out, you are grateful to have that bonus cash. Because landlords use security deposits to pay for repairs within your student apartments near UF, it is crucial that you complete these simple steps to minimize the effect you have on your unit.

1. Take Care of Apartment Throughout the Year

   The key to minimizing buildup in your luxury apartments in Gainesville, FL is to clean regularly. If you consistently clean dirt and grime in your shower and on your walls they will easily be removed. However, if it remains, overtime the build up will be almost impossible to remove.

2. Fix Small Imperfections

   As you are cleaning your apartment and you notice small flaws, fix them if possible. Some damage may be too difficult for you to handle but there are many problems you are capable of fixing such as replacing light bulbs, removing scuff from floor boards and spackling large holes in the walls. The more issues you are able to resolve yourself, the fewer charges you will accumulate.

3. Pay all Fees

   As you are nearing the end of your lease, ask the office about any outstanding charges you have. Depending on your apartment complex this may include, rent, late fees, utility charges or any other fees. If you do have any charges, your landlord will first take them from your security deposit and then give you anything remaining funds. Therefore, paying these fees should take priority.

4. Notify Landlord of all Problems

   Normal wear and tear associated with living in UF apartments may cause appliances to break down or other damages that require repairs. Most apartment complexes offer to fix any normal problems in your apartment free of charge. However, if you do not notify your landlord, the issues can escalate, which will cause more expensive repairs or even the need to be replaced. Instead, report problems immediately when you discover them.

5. Clean the Entire Apartment

   Once students move out of their units, complexes will hire cleaning companies to prepare it for the next tenant. If you leave any dirt, trash or unwanted items, you will be charged extra fees that will come out of your security deposit. To avoid this, thoroughly deep clean each room including flooring, walls, surfaces, moulding and sinks.

6. Take Everything with You

   Even if there are only a couple scraps of trash or a piece of furniture that is too difficult to move, you will be charged for any extra effort the cleaning crew will have to exert. When you leave for the final time, there should be no trace that you were ever there.

7. Do Not Paint Walls

   Though painting your walls may seem fun and exciting when you are moving in, there will be nothing fun about painting them back to neutral when you are moving out. The last thing you want to do when packing up all of your possessions is to add more work for yourself. Most UF student apartments require students to paint their walls back to their original color before leaving. If your walls have a darker shade, this process will be even more difficult and involved.

8. Locate Inspection Sheet

   When you moved in, you should have walked through your Gainesville student living and documented every imperfection and possibly even took pictures for evidence. Before you pack everything up, you should find this piece of paper so that if there are any discrepancies over damage, you can prove that you were not responsible.

9. Perform Walkthrough with Landlord

   Most of the time, you will have the option to be present while your landlord is performing the inspection. This is beneficial because you will be able to be aware of any specific concerns your landlord has that you will be charged for and prove that you were not responsible for any damage present when you moved in.

10. How to Handle Landlord Illegally Keeping Security Deposit

    If you believe that your landlord is retaining part or all of your security deposit when he/she should return it, you are not defenseless. You should begin by writing a demand letter, which is required in small claims court. Then you can file a claim in small claims court or contact a lawyer for professional assistance.