Protecting Your Security Deposit

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Most apartment communities require that residents pay a security deposit prior to moving in. The amount of security deposit required can vary, however, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is common. Security deposits are retained by apartment communities to use in the event that a resident damages the apartment during his or her residency. Unless the resident damages the apartment, security deposits are generally refunded after the lease expires. The following are some tips to use to insure that your security deposit is returned to you.

Before Moving In

Make a written list of any damage that is in the apartment when you take possession of the apartment. At Berger Rental Communities, all new residents complete a pre-move in inspection form to document any imperfections that were not caused by the resident.

While Living in the Apartment

Take care of your apartment as if it is your own.

• Clean your apartment regularly.
• Call the maintenance department to make repairs as need be. Read Don’t Hesitate To Call For Maintenance for more information.
• Do not attempt to make repairs on your own-contact your maintenance department for all repairs. If you caused the damage for reasons other than normal wear and tear, the apartment community might charge you for the repairs, or, inform you to make the repair on your own. Regardless, it will save you time and money to handle repairs and damage before moving out.

Before Moving Out

While most apartment communities will not keep your security deposit for items of normal wear and tear, it is important that you restore your apartment to a condition similar to when you moved in. After you have packed up and cleared some space in your apartment, there are a few tasks that you will want to do before surrendering possession of your apartment:

Bathroom(s):

• Scrub the bathtub/shower.
• Scrub the inside and outside of the toilet.
• Clean the sink.
• Dust and clean the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet.
• Clean the mirror.

Kitchen:

• Clean the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
• Wash the floor. Be sure to get all of your corners and areas that are normally difficult to reach.
• Clean the countertop and backsplash.
• Clean the sink.
• Clean the stove, oven, microwave and broiler.
• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
• Make sure any ice trays or refrigerator/freezer accessories are in place.
• Empty and clean the garbage disposal and dishwasher.

General:

• Have all carpets professionally cleaned.
• Remove all tacks and/or nails from the walls and spackle the holes left behind.
• Clean windows and window sills.
• Clean your patio/balcony.
• Don’t forget to pack everything that you brought into the apartment, including shower curtains, shower hooks, and rugs.

If you are concerned about the condition of your apartment prior to moving out, schedule an appointment with your apartment community staff to walk through your apartment.