You want to feel comfortable in your living space as a renter. This includes, for many, the addition of decorative elements that help personalize a residence. However, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on how much of your security deposit you get returned.
Usually, the terms of your lease agreement specify what modifications you may make without the landlord’s consent. However, if you are unclear, you could unintentionally make adjustments that cause a reduction in your security deposit.
It is crucial to understand the restrictions on what is permitted and what is not. Discover how to avoid losing your security deposit by choosing tasteful design and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Since tenants’ design choices frequently result in damage, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. Remember, the damage must be severe enough to require repairs. For instance, the landlord may withhold the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky artwork or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that ruined paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that physically damaged 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 the terms of your lease and comprehend the requirements for interior design and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Suppose you made changes to the decor and your lease agreement said you were responsible for restoring the property to its former state at the end of the lease. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.
Whether tenants can paint the interior of their rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. 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, before you begin painting, you must first consult your lease or speak with your proprietor. Many leases stipulate that the property must be returned in its original condition, including the 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. The provisions of your lease would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of decoration. Many tenants do not consider the potential wall damage caused by mounting framed artwork, televisions, and other wall-mounted décor 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.
To avoid losing your security deposit, you have to plan your decor with the end result in mind. You could use nail-free hangers or refrain from mounting anything on the wall. Large works of art or televisions can be placed atop an accent table or cabinet without causing any wall damage.
Excessive Wear and Tear
During a tenancy, a rental property typically experiences wear and tear. However, if your choice of décor causes excessive damage, such as heavy furniture causing damage to the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may retain a portion of your security deposit to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it is advisable to move heavy furniture with assistance and to position protective material underneath, 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
If your decor choices or general living practices leave the property in a state of disrepair or excessive filthiness beyond normal wear and tear, your landlord may use a portion of your security deposit to cover cleaning costs.
It is essential to keep in mind that when you rent a residence, you are going to move out, so you must design with the understanding that you will need to return the home or apartment to its original state. You’re more likely to receive your entire security deposit refunded if there isn’t much restoration work needed.
Check your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s justifications for keeping your security deposit very carefully as a tenant. Legal action can be taken against deductions that you feel are unlawful or don’t follow local laws. 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. Talking with your landlord will help you understand their perspective and perhaps come to a resolution.
Is relocating to a new rental house on your list of goals for this year? Real Property Management might have the right one for you! Real Property Management Generations 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.
