You want to feel at ease in your rental home. For many, this involves including decorative components that enhance the individuality of a home. However, if you rent, the amount of your security deposit you receive back may be considerably impacted by the décor decisions you make.
Typically, your lease specifies which alterations are permitted and which require permission from your landlord. However, if you’re unsure, you can unintentionally make modifications that cause a reduction in your security deposit.
Knowing the limits of what is permitted and what is not is crucial. Discover how to avoid losing your security deposit by choosing tasteful design and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Landlords frequently deduct security deposits because of tenant-caused damage to the interior design. Additionally, the damage must be significant enough to necessitate restorations. For instance, the landlord may withhold the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky artwork or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that ruined paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that physically damaged the property.
The total amount of the deduction will depend on how much damage there is. To avoid disputes over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully review your lease agreement and comprehend the requirements for decor choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Assume that the rental contract required you to return the property to its original state at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related alterations. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.
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.
Check your lease agreement or contact your landlord first, though, before you start making any colorful changes. Many leases stipulate that the property must be returned in its original condition, including the wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If your lease agreement stipulated certain decor restrictions (such as no painting or nailing of items to the walls) and you violated them without the landlord’s permission, this could be grounds for withholding your 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. The cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse, and even a few nail holes in a wall might lower the amount of the security deposit that is reimbursed.
It’s critical to plan your decor with the final result in mind to protect your deposit. You might opt for hangers without nails or forego wall hangings altogether. Atop an accent table or cabinet, large pieces of artwork or televisions will function just as well and won’t cause any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
During a tenancy, a rental property typically experiences wear and tear. 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.
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. If you move your furniture around frequently, think about spending money on felt cushioning for the bottom to make the process easier and less likely to result in damage.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is permitted to use a portion of your security deposit to cover cleaning costs if your decor choices or general living habits leave the property in a state of disrepair or excessive dirtiness 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. You’re more likely to receive your entire security deposit refunded if there isn’t much restoration work needed.
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 the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local laws, you can legally contest them. Documenting the property’s condition when you moved in and out can aid your case when contesting the deductions. Talking with your landlord will help you understand their perspective and perhaps come to a resolution.
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