You want to feel at ease in your rental home. Many people interpret this as adding decorations that enhance the individuality of a space. However, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on how much of your security deposit you get returned.
Usually, the terms of your lease agreement specify what modifications you may make without the landlord’s consent. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.
It is essential to be aware of what is permitted and what is prohibited. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making careful design decisions and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Because of the damage caused by renters’ decorating preferences, landlords frequently withhold security deposits. Remember, the damage must be severe enough to require repairs. For instance, if you mounted heavy artwork or shelves on the walls that left large holes, used adhesives that damaged paint or wallpaper, or made other changes to the property that resulted in physical damage, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit.
The amount of the deduction will depend on the degree of the damage. 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. 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 that painting a room or a whole house a different color is a simple way to add your own style, it makes sense why this is a common issue among renters.
However, you must first check your lease agreement or contact your landlord before picking up the brush. 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 specified certain decor restrictions (such as no painting or nailing of items to the walls) and you violated them without your landlord’s permission, this could be justification for withholding the security deposit. What was and wasn’t permitted in terms of decoration would have been stated in your lease agreement. A lot of tenants fail to put into consideration potential wall damage that could result from mounting framed art, mounted televisions, or other home accents. 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.
It’s critical to plan your decor with the final result in mind to protect your deposit. You could choose hangers without nails or refrain from mounting anything on the walls. Large televisions or pieces of artwork can function just as well on top of an accent table or cabinet and won’t do any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
It is normal for rental properties to experience wear and tear during occupancy. However, if your choice of furnishings causes undue wear and tear, such as when heavy furniture scrapes the floors, or if you fail to keep up with routine maintenance, the landlord may take a portion of your security deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
It’s best to enlist assistance when moving large pieces of furniture, and to put something protective underneath, like a blanket or moving cushion, to prevent floor damage. If you frequently rearrange your furniture, consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause wear and tear.
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.
When renting a home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out. As a result, decorating must be done with the understanding that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. Your chances of receiving your entire security deposit increase the less restoration work that is necessary.
As a tenant, you should thoroughly examine your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s justifications for retaining your security deposit. You have the right to challenge the deductions in court if you believe they are unlawful or violate local laws. Documenting the property’s condition at the time of your move in and out will help your case if you want to challenge the deductions. It is also advisable to communicate with your landlord in order to comprehend their reasoning and, if possible, find a resolution.
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