Renter or not, you want to feel at home in your residence. For many, this involves including decorative components that enhance the individuality of a home. If you are a tenant, though, your decorating decisions could have a big impact on how much of your security deposit you receive back.
Your lease typically specifies which alterations you are permitted to make and which require an owner’s permission. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.
Knowing the limits of what is permitted and what is not is crucial. 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 total amount of the deduction will depend on how much damage there is. To prevent conflicts over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully research your lease agreement and comprehend the specifications for decorating choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
What if, after making alterations to the decor, your lease agreement required you to restore the property to its initial state at the end of the term? The costs involved in restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your security deposit, according to your landlord.
Whether tenants can paint the interior of their 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 review your lease 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. What was and wasn’t permitted in terms of decoration would have been stated in your lease agreement. Many renters do not consider the potential wall damage caused by the installation of framed artwork, mounted televisions, and other wall-mounted decorative items. Even a few nail holes in a wall can result in a reduction of the security deposit, and the cost of restorations rises in proportion to the extent of the damage.
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. Large artwork or televisions can be placed on an accent tables or cabinets without causing damage to the wall.
Excessive Wear and Tear
During a tenancy, wear and tear on a rental property is common. However, if your decorations or furniture cause excessive damage, such as heavy furniture that damages the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may take a portion of your deposit to pay for necessary 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. Consider purchasing felt padding for the bottom of your furniture if you move your furniture frequently to make it easier to rearrange your décor and reduce the likelihood of damage.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if your interior design choices or general living habits cause the property to be excessively dirty or in need of repair beyond normal wear and tear.
It is essential to keep in mind that when you rent a home, you will eventually move out, so you must decorate with the understanding that you will need to return the home or apartment to its original condition. 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.
Are you planning to relocate to a new rental house this year? Real Property Management could have the appropriate one for you! Real Property Management Thrive has quality rental homes for every taste and budget, so check out our listings today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
