{"id":448840,"date":"2021-07-13T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T13:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qa.rent.com\/blog\/?p=448840"},"modified":"2023-05-09T11:04:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T15:04:31","slug":"how-to-get-your-security-deposit-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/blog\/how-to-get-your-security-deposit-back\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Your Security Deposit Back After Moving Out of Your Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s impressive to say that 109 million Americans<\/a> live in rental housing. But this adds up to a lot of security deposits.<\/p>\n

Though alternative forms<\/a> to the traditional security deposit check are gaining in popularity, most people fork over a month or so’s rent for this fee, assuming they’ll get it back in full (some even with interest).<\/p>\n

However, there are specific situations where you won’t get your security deposit returned once you move out and move on to a new place. These include leaving without paying all your rent and failing to keep your apartment clean and damage-free.<\/p>\n

Often, this money helps you cover the costs of your new home, so don’t risk missing out. Make sure you know how to get your security deposit back and take the proper precautions to protect its return.<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

How to get your security deposit back in full<\/h2>\n

If you’re careful, getting your security deposit<\/a> back should be easy. Skip worrying about the normal wear and tear since that’s not something your security deposit covers. Instead, concentrate on a few bigger issues to figure out how to get your security deposit back.<\/p>\n

1. Don’t break your lease<\/h3>\n

When you sign your lease, it should stipulate in the document what happens to your security deposit if you move out early. Sometimes it’s used to cover a break-lease fee, but things aren’t always settled after you lose your deposit.<\/p>\n

Read your lease carefully since you may incur fees to break your lease. Plus, if there are damages \u2014 the deposit will need to cover it.<\/p>\n

In both cases, your landlord can pursue legal action to get the remainder of the money you owe if you don’t pay it outright.<\/p>\n

2. Pay your rent on time<\/h3>\n

Security deposits are also often withheld to cover unpaid rent if any, once your lease is up. Again, if you owe more than your deposit or there are also damages in need of repair, you could have to pay even more to get things back to zero.<\/p>\n

Leaving with a balance at your previous apartment is never a good idea since you’re already paying the expenses of living somewhere new. It’s hard to pay in both places at the same time, so do your best to stay on top of rent.<\/p>\n

3. Give back your keys<\/h3>\n

Apartment keys are still considered the property of the apartment. Failure to give them back means they must get replaced. It also usually means locks have to get changed for safety reasons. Your security deposit will most likely get used to cover both these expenses.<\/p>\n

\"Sweeping<\/p>\n

4. Make minor repairs on your own<\/h3>\n

While general wear-and-tear on your apartment happens and it’s not part of what your security deposit covers, don’t take any chances. Take the time, before you move out, to make minor repairs in your home. The idea is to get it as close to possible to what it looked like when you moved in.<\/p>\n