4 Types of Cleaning and Repairs a Landlord Can Deduct from a Security Deposit

Getting your full security deposit back at the end of your lease term is very possible as long as you’re responsible with the property. Landlords ask for a security deposit, usually equal to one month’s rent, as collateral against any major damage that may occur during your stay in the apartment.

Security deposits also help them ensure that you will do a reasonable amount of cleaning as you’re moving out, and won’t stick them with a mess to quickly turn around before the new tenants move in. Your first step is to understand what exactly your landlord is expecting of you when you leave the apartment. Some landlords hire cleaners while others require the tenants to do the major cleaning, and can charge hefty rates for each hour they have to clean in preparation for the arrival of the new tenants. Read below for common but easily avoidable deductions landlords can take from security deposits.

1. Bathroom and Kitchen Surface Cleaning

Clean these areas on your way out of the apartment, just as you should have been doing regularly during the time you lived there. Landlords can easily dock you for dingy bathtubs, sticky counters and crusty sinks. You’ll most likely be living in the apartment up until the very last day your lease is up, so be sure to leave time on your move out day to wipe bathroom and kitchen areas with disinfecting and de-greasing cleaners and leave them as sparkling as you can. Don’t forget about the inside of your stove, too, which can easily be forgotten about, as it’s hidden from plain view.

2. Carpet Cleaning

Any major stains to your carpet can potentially slice huge chunks from your security deposit. Throughout your time in the apartment, be sure to have carpet cleaner on hand to immediately combat spills that could lead to bigger stains. Many older apartments have carpet stains that have been there long before you were. Report to your landlord any major spots or damage to the rugs when you move in, so you won’t be charged at the conclusion of the security deposit. Many landlords are also more forgiving if you report damages to them as they happen, so they can send in their own cleaning and maintenance crews to repair sooner rather than later, when stains have had time to set.

3. Wall Fixes

Landlords are typically understanding about minor and negligible nicks from nails and thumbtacks, but be sure to repair major holes or dents to the walls. If you do plan on hanging pictures or frames, measure carefully ahead of time to avoid unnecessary damage to the plaster or drywall. Use the proper fixtures to anchor heavier items, too, to prevent huge chunks of wall from being ripped out.

4. Window Repairs

Be wary of caring for screens and glass windowpanes. If screens become jammed or damaged throughout the year, alert landlords immediately. They can often forgive of the wear and tear that comes with time, but will be likely to take away from your security deposit if they think broken glass or torn screens is from tenant carelessness.