Make Your Deposits Secure

A fully refunded security deposit always eases the pain of moving, and you can make sure you get it back by following some of these tips. It may seem and impossible task to retrieve your money from your land lord, but there still remains hope as it is a landlord’s obligation to return the deposit at the end of the lease.

Plan Ahead

Landlords usually pester you about the holes caused by hooks in walls and use this as an excuse to get out of paying back security deposits. You should use removable hooks and poster putty to avoid such an occurrence.

Organize

Maintain a record of all the documents you receive when you move in and find out the proper procedure to end your rental agreement in compliance with all set terms and conditions in order for a smooth transition towards the end.

Documentation                     

Experts urge renters to photograph the conditions of the residence before they move in to serve as proof in case the landlord tries to play you. They also state that in some cases even that is not enough and thus recommend the use of a video. Video proof serves as evidence that you maintained the residence in prime condition and thus leaves no leeway for the landlord to abstain from giving you back your deposit.

Mock Inspection

Take note of all damages and deterioration that occur prior to your moving in, and during your stay and make certain as to who’s responsibility it falls under so that you can ensure that you are not unjustly made to incur a cost that is addressed to the landlord.

Repairs

You should make tiny repairs yourself, such as replacing a fused light bulb, unclogging a drain or even filling nail holes; though they may feel small and insignificant, they show the landlord that you did your best to keep the place in prime condition. As they say, a little goes a long way and this would help you avoid a lot of unnecessary hassle and any uncalled for arguments that could potentially take place. Doing this yourself also saves you the cost that the landlord would deduct for calling in a plumber or a carpenter to do the jobs instead.

Be Aware

You should always have the knowledge of local laws, as in most states it is illegal for landlords to keep a security deposit without explanation. You could follow up on these from the website of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Even though these precautionary measures do help you with all the technicalities, it also pays to be nice and to have a good relation with the landlord and makes the life of both much easier.

To help you get in the know how of these things, if you live in Pennsylvania, you should visit a Real Estate agent in PA so that he can brief you with the laws and how things work.