You want to feel at home in the property you’re renting as a tenant. For many, this involves including decorative components that enhance the individuality of a home. 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 typically specifies which alterations you are permitted to make and which require an owner’s permission. However, if you’re unsure, you can unintentionally make modifications that cause a reduction in your security deposit.
It is essential to be aware of what is permitted and what is prohibited. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making careful design decisions and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Since tenants’ design choices frequently result in damage, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. Additionally, the damage must be significant enough to necessitate restorations. 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 total amount of the deduction will depend on how much damage there is. 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
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. In such a case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the costs associated with returning the property to its initial condition.
Whether tenants can paint the interior of their rental home is one of the most commonly 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, before you begin painting, you must first consult your lease or speak with your proprietor. Many leases stipulate that the property must be returned in its original condition, including the wall color.
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. Your lease agreement would have specified the permitted and prohibited decor items. A lot of renters fail to take into account the possible wall damage brought on by installing framed art, televisions, or other home decor 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 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. Atop an accent table or cabinet, large pieces of artwork or televisions will function just as well and won’t cause any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
During a tenancy, wear and tear on a rental property is common. 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’s best to move large furniture pieces with the assistance of another person and to provide a protective surface below, like 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 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. As a result, decorating must be done with the understanding that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. Your chances of receiving your entire security deposit increase the less restoration work that is necessary.
As a renter, pay close attention to your lease and, if necessary, the explanations provided by your landlord for keeping your security deposit. Legal action can be taken against deductions that you feel are unlawful or don’t follow local laws. Documenting the property’s condition when you moved in and out can aid your case when contesting 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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