Renter or not, you want to feel at home in your residence. For many, this entails including ornamental components that help individualize a property. However, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on how much of your security deposit you get returned.
Typically, your lease specifies which alterations are permitted and which require permission from your landlord. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.
Knowing the limits of what is permitted and what is not is crucial. Find out how to avoid losing your security deposit by choosing decorator-friendly options and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Landlords frequently deduct security deposits because of tenant-caused damage to the interior design. Remember, the damage must be severe enough to require repairs. For instance, the landlord can deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky paintings or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that harmed paint or wallpaper, or made additional modifications that deteriorated the property.
The amount of the deduction will depend on the degree of the damage. To avoid disputes over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully review your lease agreement and comprehend the requirements for decor choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Let’s say your lease agreement said that you had to restore the property to its initial state at the end of the lease, but you neglected to do so after making alterations to the decor. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.
One of the most frequently asked questions by renters is whether or not they are permitted to paint the interior of their rental home. Given that changing the paint color is a simple method to distinctly customize a space or a whole house, it makes sense why this is a prevalent concern.
However, prior to picking up a paintbrush, you must first review your lease or communicate with your landlord. Many tenancies stipulate that you must return the property in its original condition, including the original wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If your lease agreement specified certain decor restrictions (such as no painting or nailing of items to the walls) and you violated them without your landlord’s permission, this could be justification for withholding the security deposit. Your lease provisions would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of interior design. Many renters do not consider the potential wall damage caused by the installation of framed artwork, mounted televisions, and other wall-mounted decorative items. The security deposit refund might be affected by even a few nail holes in a wall, and the cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse.
It’s critical to plan your decor with the final result in mind to protect your deposit. You might hang items on the walls without using nails or by using nail-free hangers. Large works of art or televisions can be placed atop an accent table or cabinet without causing any wall damage.
Excessive Wear and Tear
Wear and tear that occurs during tenancy is commonplace for rental properties. However, if your decorations or furniture cause excessive damage, such as heavy furniture that damages the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may take a portion of your deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it is essential to move heavy furniture with the assistance of another person and to place protective material below, such as a blanket or moving pad. If you frequently rearrange your furniture, consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause wear and tear.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if your interior design choices or general living habits cause the property to be excessively dirty or in need of repair beyond normal wear and tear.
It is essential to keep in mind that when you rent a home, you will eventually move out, so you must decorate with the understanding that you will need to return the home or apartment to its original condition. The fewer repairs required, the more likely it is that your security deposit will be returned in its entirety.
Check your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s reasons for withholding your security deposit. If you believe the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local laws, you can legally contest them. Documenting the property’s condition at the time of your move in and out will help your case if you want to challenge the deductions. In order to comprehend your landlord’s perspective and possibly come to an agreement, it’s also a good idea to communicate with them.
Is relocating to a new rental house on your list of goals for this year? Real Property Management may have the ideal home for you! Real Property Management Lakeshore has quality rental homes for every taste and budget, so check out our listings today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
