Maximizing Your Deposit Return

The Basics (or How it Works in Theory)

When you sign a lease, you'll have to put down a deposit (usually equivalent to one to two months' worth of rent). Keep in mind that the deposit isn't rent. It is a sum of money that's held in case you do damage the unit. In theory, when you move out, the Landlord will do an inspection and deduct the amount to repair any damage you caused beyond normal wear-and-tear. That way, everything's fair, you go on your merry way, and they go theirs (tra la la, cue happy-ending music).

That's the theory.

Unfortunately, landlords are notorious for over-deducting. Look over your invoice carefully when you get the check, and make sure you've earned all those deductions. Also, if your apartment is covered by Rent Control (as most buildings around USC are), you are probably entitled to interest on your deposit, so if that doesn't appear, raise a stink!

Some Tips to Maximize your Deposit Return

1. Don't be afraid to fight for it - If there's anything fishy, contact your landlord right away, and be sure to leave a paper-trail (even if you've talked to them in person). Odds are, they'd rather give you the extra cash that you deserve than risk having to front the money for a legal battle.
2. Communicate with the Landlord - Don't make any assumptions. For instance, if you have furniture to leave behind, make sure they want it. Sometimes, they'd be happy to keep the furniture as an added benefit to future tenants. However, if you just leave it there, you'll probably be charged a hauling fee.
3. Communicate with your roommates - Be very wary as you approach move-out time. Many a student has had to suffer a hauling fee because his or her roommate left items behind. Make sure you all are on the same page about the final condition of the place. If you have any concerns, talk with your landlord in advance to make sure everything's worked out.
4. As much as possible, maintain a good relationship with your landlord - Landlords are people too, and, while they are supposed to be unbiased, they're much more likely to look favorably upon you if you have been generally friendly, and paid your rent on time throughout your stay with them.
5. Clean the place before you leave- You might even want to hire a cleaning crew. The landlords will be much more likely to look favorably on the place when inspecting it if their first impression is a good one.
6. Don't patch and paint the walls yourself unless you can do it well - I did a lot of inspections when working for a housing company, and discovered that many people had "fixed" holes in the walls themselves. Unfortunately, they'd done a shoddy job, and the landlords still had to hire contractors to sand it down and do it again. Thus, the students were not only charged for repairs, but they also wasted their own time, and money for the plaster and paint.