You want to feel at home in the property you’re renting as a tenant. For many, this involves adding decorative elements that help to individualize a residence. 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. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making careful design decisions and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Due to damage from renters’ decorating decisions, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. Additionally, the damage must be significant enough to necessitate restorations. 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 deduction will be proportional to the extent of the damage. For the sake of avoiding disagreements about security deposit deductions, it is imperative that you carefully research your lease agreement and comprehend the specifications for design choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Assume that your lease agreement required you to return the property to its original condition at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related modifications. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.
One of the most frequently asked questions by renters is whether or not they are permitted to paint the interior of their rental home. Changing the paint color is a simple way to personalize a room or an entire home, so it’s understandable that this is a common concern.
However, before you begin painting, you must first consult your lease or speak with your proprietor. According to numerous leases, you are required to return the house in the same state that you found it in, 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 for decor would have been specified in your lease conditions. 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. The security deposit refund might be affected by even a few nail holes in a wall, and the cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse.
To avoid losing your deposit, it is crucial to plan your decor with the final result in mind. You could choose hangers without nails or refrain from mounting anything on the walls. Large pieces of art or televisions can function just as well on top of an accent table or cabinet and won’t harm the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
It is normal for rental properties to experience wear and tear during occupancy. The landlord may keep a percentage of your deposit to pay the cost of repairs or replacements, though, if your choice of decor causes substantial damage, such as when heavy furniture harms the floors or if you fail to maintain the property.
To prevent floor damage, it is advisable to enlist assistance when moving heavier furniture and to use protective material, such as a blanket or moving pad, underneath. 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. Your chances of receiving your entire security deposit increase the less restoration work that is necessary.
Check your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s reasons for withholding your security deposit. You can contest the deductions legally if you believe they are unlawful or don’t follow local regulations. Documenting the property’s condition when you moved in and out can aid your case when contesting 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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Originally Published on September 10, 2021
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