Renter or not, you want to feel at home in your residence. For many, this entails including ornamental components that help individualize a property. If you are a tenant, though, your decorating decisions could have a big impact on how much of your security deposit you receive back.
Your lease agreement typically specifies which changes you may make without the landlord’s consent and which ones do. However, if you are uncertain, you may make mistakes that result in your security deposit being deducted.
The lines between what is permitted and what is not must be understood. Find out how to avoid losing your security deposit by being judicious with your decorating choices and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Because of the damage caused by renters’ decorating preferences, landlords frequently withhold security deposits. It is essential to observe that the damage must be severe enough to necessitate repairs. 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 amount of the deduction will depend on the degree of the damage. To prevent conflicts over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully research your lease agreement and comprehend the specifications for decorating choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
What if, after making alterations to the decor, your lease agreement required you to restore the property to its initial state at the end of the term? In such a case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the costs associated with returning the property to its initial condition.
The ability to paint the interior of a rental home is one of the most frequently asked questions by renters. It is understandable that this is a common concern, as altering the paint color is a simple way to personalize a room or a whole house.
However, you must first check your lease agreement or contact your landlord before picking up the brush. The condition of the home must be returned in its original state, including the wall color, according to many leases.
Violating the Lease Terms
The security deposit may be withheld if your lease agreement contained specific requirements on decor choices (such as no painting or nailing things to the wall), and you disregarded them without the landlord’s prior consent. The provisions of your lease would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of decoration. Many tenants do not consider the potential wall damage caused by mounting framed artwork, televisions, and other wall-mounted décor 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.
To protect your deposit, it’s crucial to plan your decor with the end in mind. You might opt for hangers without nails or forego wall hangings altogether. Large artwork or televisions can be placed on an accent tables or cabinets without causing damage to the wall.
Excessive Wear and Tear
Wear and tear that occurs during tenancy is commonplace for rental properties. However, if your decorations or furniture cause excessive damage, such as heavy furniture that damages the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may take a portion of your deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it is essential to move heavy furniture with the assistance of another person and to place protective material below, such as a blanket or moving pad. Consider purchasing felt padding for the bottom of your furniture if you move your furniture frequently to make it easier to rearrange your décor and reduce the likelihood of damage.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if the condition of the property is beyond reasonable wear and tear due to your decorating decisions or general living habits.
When renting a home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out, therefore when decorating, keep in mind that you’ll need to return the house or apartment to its original condition. The fewer repairs required, the more likely you are to receive your entire security deposit returned.
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. Providing evidence of the property’s condition when you moved in and out can help you dispute the deductions. Talking with your landlord will help you understand their perspective and perhaps come to a resolution.
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Originally Published on September 10, 2021
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