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Tips for ensuring I get my full security deposit back?

rentingmoving outlandlord
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Emma_B
Joined:
25.08.2019
Posts: 476
Topic Starter
04.01.2025 15:09
I'm moving out of my apartment next month and I'm honestly a bit nervous about getting my full security deposit returned. My landlord has been pretty strict in the past, and I want to make sure I don't give them any excuses to withhold my money. Should I hire professional cleaners, or is a deep DIY clean usually sufficient? Also, how important is it to take photos of every single wall and appliance before I hand over the keys? If anyone has gone through this recently, I would love some advice on the process.
14 replies in this topic
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forum_expert
Joined:
07.05.2023
Posts: 2200
18.03.2025 04:40
Always do a move-out walkthrough with the landlord present if you can. It saves so much headache later.
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simon_v
Joined:
11.01.2021
Posts: 795
23.04.2025 12:04
In reply to a previous post
Photos are non-negotiable. Take pictures of everything, even the inside of the oven and the corners of the baseboards.
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Maya_L
Joined:
08.10.2023
Posts: 2368
28.05.2025 13:27
In reply to a previous post
I personally hired professional cleaners last time and it was worth every penny. The landlord couldn't find a single thing to complain about.
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Max_85
Joined:
29.01.2025
Posts: 2015
21.09.2025 09:46
Honestly, check your lease agreement first. Some places explicitly require professional carpet cleaning receipts.
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Tim_G
Joined:
18.12.2023
Posts: 757
24.09.2025 18:36
In reply to a previous post
Don't forget to patch up any nail holes. A little bit of spackle and matching paint goes a long way.
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Profit_Maker
Joined:
02.03.2025
Posts: 1894
08.10.2025 09:20
In reply to a previous post
Is it really worth the stress? I just did a deep clean myself and got my money back fine. Just be thorough.
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camilo
Joined:
08.11.2020
Posts: 973
13.10.2025 22:37
Make sure you document any pre-existing damage you reported when you first moved in. If you have those old emails, save them now.
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lone_wolf
Joined:
24.06.2025
Posts: 1932
15.11.2025 03:26
In reply to a previous post
Good advice, I'm definitely going to dig up my move-in inspection checklist tonight.
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monica_p
Joined:
29.01.2023
Posts: 2195
16.11.2025 02:03
In reply to a previous post
Take a video walk-through as well! It's much harder to argue with a video than a few selective photos.
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Denis_P
Joined:
29.09.2023
Posts: 366
05.12.2025 12:37
I had a landlord try to charge me for 'normal wear and tear' once. Don't let them do that, it's illegal in most places.
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Chris_K
Joined:
24.01.2021
Posts: 2272
06.01.2026 20:39
In reply to a previous post
Exactly! Normal wear and tear is not your responsibility. Know your local tenant rights.
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wes_55
Joined:
16.06.2024
Posts: 907
01.02.2026 20:57
In reply to a previous post
Don't forget the lightbulbs. Sounds silly, but I lost $50 once because the landlord claimed all the bulbs needed replacing.
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Milos_S
Joined:
14.10.2022
Posts: 435
12.03.2026 14:58
In reply to a previous post
I'm currently going through this, and the stress is real. Good luck to you!
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Fari_P
Joined:
18.02.2022
Posts: 2318
24.03.2026 04:13
Just leave the place exactly as you found it, minus the normal aging, and you should be fine.

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