We all dread that day when the landlord comes to inspect the apartment/house, and you really need that deposit in full. In this short article, we present a few tips to ensure that you receive the full deposit when you vacate a property.
- Video the interior and exterior – This should be done when you have just signed the lease; you need solid evidence of the current condition, inside and out. Spend time going around the walls and inspecting major furniture items if they are part of the deal, and when the time comes to settle up, the landlord will not be able to claim certain things due to your evidence.
- End of tenancy clean – Leave a few days after the clean; use a top company such as Optima Cleaners, who really know their stuff and have rave reviews! They are thorough yet affordable, and they can always work to your timeline, so make an inquiry and get a price for the big clean at the end of the lease period.
- Good communications with the property owner – If you are always polite and to the point, this should stand you in good stead. People like people, and relationships develop, so make a point of trying to get on with your landlord. If you do bump into each other, be nice and when there are issues, politely make them aware. Click here for real estate investment tips.
- Furniture protection – If the furniture is on the expensive side, you can have it covered for protection, which will mean zero wear, and it is important to video the installation with a date stamp. There are other forms of protection; you can put plastic corners on tables and tops, depending, of course, on the décor.
- Keep a record of all receipts and communications – This might come in handy in the event of a dispute, so we recommend that you keep everything that is relevant to the tenancy.
- Give advanced notice – Whenever possible, let the landlord know as soon as you are sure; they will surely appreciate the heads up, and this will stand you in good stead later. A month earlier than you are legally supposed to give would be a sign of good intent, only if you are in a position to do that.
- Scan the lease – Better still, let your lawyer peruse the document on your behalf; that way, you can be sure that you are protected. Always read and understand the terms & conditions of any legal document; that should be a matter of course.
We should never regard our landlord as anything other than a person who is happy to do whatever is necessary to make life comfortable for you. If there are issues, approach things in a diplomatic way and avoid threats, as this is the fastest way to put someone into an emotional state.
