You want to feel at home in the property you’re renting as a tenant. For many, this entails including ornamental components that help individualize a property. However, if you rent, the amount of your security deposit you receive back may be considerably impacted by the décor decisions you make.
What alterations you are permitted to make and those that require your landlord’s approval are typically outlined in your lease agreement. But if you’re unsure, you can unintentionally make modifications that cause your security deposit to be deducted later on.
It is essential to be aware of what is permitted and what is prohibited. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making intelligent design decisions and avoiding costly repairs.
Causing Damage to the Property
Landlords frequently deduct security deposits because of tenant-caused damage to the interior design. It’s crucial to remember that there must be enough damage to warrant repairs. For instance, the landlord can deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky paintings or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that harmed paint or wallpaper, or made additional modifications that deteriorated the property.
The size of the deduction will depend on the severity of the damage. To prevent disagreements regarding the deductions from your security deposit, it is essential to carefully check your lease agreement and comprehend the specifications for design choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Assume that your lease agreement required you to return the property to its original condition at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related modifications. In such a case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the costs associated with returning the property to its initial condition.
The ability to paint the interior of a rental home is one of the most frequently asked questions by renters. Given that painting a room or a whole house a different color is a simple way to add your own style, it makes sense why this is a common issue among renters.
However, you must first check your lease agreement or contact your landlord before picking up the brush. Many tenancies stipulate that you must return the property in its original condition, including the original wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If the restrictions of your lease agreement regarding decor choices were followed without the landlord’s prior approval (e.g., no painting or nailing things to the wall), the security deposit may be withheld as a result. Your lease provisions would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of interior design. Many tenants fail to take into account the possible wall deterioration brought on by mounting framed art, televisions, or other home accents. The cost of repairs rises with the severity of the damage, and even a few nail holes in a wall might diminish the amount of the security deposit that is reimbursed.
It’s critical to plan your decor with the final result in mind to protect your deposit. You could choose hangers without nails or refrain from mounting anything on the walls. Large pieces of art or televisions can function just as well on top of an accent table or cabinet and won’t harm the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
It is normal for a rental property to experience wear and strain over the course of a tenancy. The landlord may keep a percentage of your deposit to pay the cost of repairs or replacements, though, if your choice of decor causes substantial damage, such as when heavy furniture harms the floors or if you fail to maintain the property.
To prevent floor damage, it is essential to move heavy furniture with the assistance of another person and to place protective material below, such as a blanket or moving pad. If you move your furniture around frequently, think about spending money on felt cushioning for the bottom to make the process easier and less likely to result in 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.
When renting a home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out. As a result, decorating must be done with the understanding that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. You are more likely to receive your entire security deposit back the less restoration work is necessary.
Check your lease agreement carefully, and if necessary, ask your landlord to explain why they’re retaining your security deposit. If you believe the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local laws, you can legally contest them. If you want to challenge the deductions, you may be able to do so by providing evidence of the property’s condition at the time of your move in and out. In order to comprehend your landlord’s perspective and possibly come to an agreement, it’s also a good idea to communicate with them.
This year, do you plan to move into a new rental property? You might be able to find the right one from Real Property Management! Real Property Management SuiteLife has quality rental homes for every taste and budget, so check out our listings today!
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