As a renter, you want your living space to be pleasant. For many, this involves adding decorative elements that help to individualize a residence. Nevertheless, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on the amount of your security deposit that you receive returned.
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.
The lines between what is permitted and what is not must be understood. 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. The cost of repairs may be deducted from your security deposit by the landlord, for instance, 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 deduction will be proportional to the extent of the damage. 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
Let’s say your lease agreement said that you had to restore the property to its initial state at the end of the lease, but you neglected to do so after making alterations to the decor. In that situation, your landlord may utilize your security deposit to pay for the costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition.
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, prior to picking up a paintbrush, you must first consult your lease agreement or communicate with your landlord. 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. 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.
To avoid losing your deposit, it is crucial to plan your decor with the final result in mind. You might opt for hangers without nails or forego wall hangings altogether. 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 decor causes excessive damage, such as weighty furniture causing damage to the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may retain a portion of your security deposit to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
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. Consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom of your furniture if you frequently rearrange it to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause 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.
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. 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’s also a good idea to talk to your landlord so you can grasp their perspective and perhaps come to an agreement.
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