How To Get Your Security Deposit Back

There are laws that govern how long a landlord can take to return a security deposit and what items a landlord can charge you for and deduct from your deposit. Those laws vary from state to state. Contact an attorney in your area for legal advice about what to do if your landlord is refusing to refund your security deposit. Here are some tips that will help you heighten your chances for a full recovery of your deposit.



1. Take pictures

Make sure you get pictures of everything upon moving in before and after your furniture is in the home. The first picture should be the front cover of the local newspaper or anything to document the date of your move in. Ideally, the pictures should be taken at the time you are given the keys to the premises. That way, you have a record of the condition the premises were in upon your move in.

2. Write Letters to the Landlord

Whenever something is in disrepair and not working properly or breaks, make sure you send a letter to the landlord documenting the problem. Don't forget to sign and date your letter. Send your letter with delivery confirmation so you can prove that the landlord had notice of the problem and upon what date the landlord received notice. Your letter should be polite but direct. Remember that a judge may be reading this letter in court should a dispute arise.

3. Take Pictures upon move out

Make sure you follow the same procedure for taking photos that you did at move in. Take the pictures once you have moved all furnishings and personal belongings out of the premises. Take pictures inside closets, cabinets, oven, light fixtures, patios, grass, landscaping, toilets, and everything you can think of. That way you cannot be blamed for anything that you did not damage or that is not attributable to normal wear and tear.

4. Keep receipts

Keep all receipts for all monies you spent on repairs or cleaning. If you had the carpets cleaned at move out save the receipt. That way if the landlord says the car[et was filthy and damaged. You have proof that you had it cleaned and a witness (the person who cleaned the carpet) that the carpet was in good shape. You also should have pictures of what the carpet looked like at move in and move out.

5. Make a written demand for the return of your deposit

If you didn't get your deposit back when you should have as per your state or local laws, write your landlord a letter demanding it's return. Again, make sure your letter is polite but firm. If you receive a response you are unhappy with, or are ignored, you should contact an attorney in you area who focuses their practice on landlord / tenant matters and disputes. You may have to go to court for its return plus any additional damages including your attorney fees and costs associated with the pursuit of your claim.