You want to feel comfortable in your living space as a renter. For many, this involves including decorative components that enhance the individuality of a home. But if you’re a tenant, the amount of your security deposit you receive returned depends greatly on the decorating decisions you make.
Your lease agreement typically specifies which changes you may make without the landlord’s consent and which ones do. However, if you are uncertain, you may make mistakes that result in your security deposit being deducted.
It is crucial to understand the restrictions on what is permitted and what is not. Find out how to avoid losing your security deposit by being judicious with your decorating choices and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Since tenants’ design choices frequently result in damage, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. It’s crucial to remember that the damage must be severe enough to require repairs. For instance, the landlord may withhold the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky artwork or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that ruined paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that physically damaged the property.
The total amount of the deduction will depend on how much damage there is. 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
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 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 commonly asked questions by renters. Changing the paint color is a simple way to personalize a room or an entire home, so it’s understandable that this is a common concern.
However, prior to picking up a paintbrush, you must first consult your lease agreement or communicate with your landlord. The condition of the home must be returned in its original state, including the wall color, according to many leases.
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 agreement would have specified the permitted and prohibited decor items. 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 could use nail-free hangers or refrain from mounting anything on the wall. Large works of art or televisions can be placed atop an accent table or cabinet without causing any wall damage.
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.
To prevent floor damage, it’s best to move large furniture pieces with the assistance of another person and to provide a protective surface below, like a blanket or moving pad. To make moving your decor easier and less likely to result in damage, especially if you move your furniture around frequently, think about making an investment in felt cushioning for the bottoms.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if the condition of the property is beyond reasonable wear and tear due to your decorating decisions or general living habits.
It is essential to keep in mind that when you rent a residence, you are going to move out, so you must design with the understanding that you will need to return the home or apartment to its original state. The fewer repairs required, the more likely you are to receive your entire security deposit returned.
As a renter, pay close attention to your lease and, if necessary, the explanations provided by your landlord for keeping your security deposit. Legal action can be taken against deductions that you feel are unlawful or don’t follow local laws. You can argue against the deductions by providing evidence of the property’s condition both when you moved in and when you left. Talking with your landlord will help you understand their perspective and perhaps come to a resolution.
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