You want to feel comfortable in your living space as a renter. Many people interpret this as adding decorations that enhance the individuality of a space. Nevertheless, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on the amount of your security deposit that you receive returned.
Your lease typically specifies which alterations you are permitted to make and which require an owner’s permission. But if you’re unsure, you can unintentionally make modifications that cause your security deposit to be deducted later on.
It is essential to understand what is permitted and what is not. 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 due to tenant-inflicted damage caused by their decor choices. It’s crucial to remember that the damage must be severe enough to require repairs. For instance, if you mounted heavy artwork or shelves that left large holes in the walls, used adhesives that damaged the paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that caused physical damage to the property, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit.
The size of the deduction will depend on the severity 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. In this case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the cost of restoring the property to its original condition.
The ability to paint the interior of a rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. Given how simple it is to add your own style to a room or your entire house by changing the paint color, it makes sense why this is a popular worry.
However, prior to picking up a paintbrush, you must first consult your lease agreement or communicate with your landlord. Many leases indicate that you must return the house in the same condition that you found it, including the wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If your lease agreement contained specific requirements for decor choices (such as no painting or nailing things to the wall), and you disregarded them without the landlord’s consent, this could be a justification for withholding the security deposit. Your lease provisions would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of interior design. A lot of renters fail to take into account the possible wall damage brought on by installing framed art, televisions, or other home decor items. Even a few nail holes in a wall can reduce the amount of the security deposit returned, and the cost of restorations rises as the extent of the damage increases.
Plan your decor with the final result in mind to avoid losing your security deposit. You might hang items on the walls without using nails or by using nail-free hangers. Atop an accent table or cabinet, large pieces of artwork or televisions will function just as well and won’t cause any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
During a tenancy, wear and tear on a rental property is common. 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.
It’s best to enlist assistance when moving large pieces of furniture, and to put something protective underneath, like a blanket or moving cushion, to prevent floor damage. Consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom of your furniture if you frequently rearrange it to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause damage.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord has the right to take a portion of your security deposit to pay for cleaning costs if your decorating choices or general living habits cause the property to be excessively dirty or in need of repair beyond normal wear and tear.
It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out of a rental property, so when decorating, keep in mind that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. The fewer repairs required, the more likely it is that your security deposit will be returned in its entirety.
As a renter, pay close attention to your lease and, if necessary, the explanations provided by your landlord for keeping your security deposit. If you believe that the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local regulations, you can challenge them legally. You can argue against the deductions by providing evidence of the property’s condition both when you moved in and when you left. In addition, it is advisable to communicate with your landlord in order to comprehend their reasoning and possibly reach a resolution.
This year, do you plan to move into a new rental property? Real Property Management might have the right one for you! Real Property Management Realevate Specialists has quality rental homes for every taste and budget, so check out our listings today!
Originally Published on September 10, 2021
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