How to Get Your Rent Deposit Back from a Landlord

When renting a house or apartment you usually always have to put down a deposit and pay the first month's rent before you move in. I have always heard horror stories of the hoops tenants have to go through to get their deposit back from a landlord when they want to move out. Recently, I moved from a rental house and was able to get my full deposit back. Here are 6 ways to get your deposit back from your landlord:

1. When you know you are moving give your current landlord the required notice. This informaton will be found in your lease. In my case my lease said I had to give 30 days notice to my landlord before moving.

2. Take care of your rental house or apartment during the time that you are living there. And report any repair needs to the landlord as you go so that there won't be any problems at the end of your lease.

3. Do a thorough inspection prior to signing your lease or at least before you move in. Report anything you see wrong and be sure it is documented with your signature in the lease or on the inspection report. If you see any tears in carpets, or holes in walls this should be signed off on if landlord is not planning on fixing it before you move in. That way, they can't say you caused the damage.

4. Keep holes from hanging pictures to a minimum. If you can, patch them up when you leave.

5. Clean the rental thoroughly before your landlord inspects it. Remove all of your belongings. Don't leave trash or furniture you don't want to take with you. Spot clean walls and carpet. Clean the bathroom(s) and kitchen.

6. And finally, if the landlord has a move out checklist that they want completed before you can get your deposit back, then follow the checklist.