How to get Your Security Deposit 💵 Back 🏠
Moving out soon? Here’s how to make sure you get that 💰 back in full — from someone who’s seen a lot of move-outs 👀
✨ Clean EVERYTHING
🧽 Wipe down walls, baseboards, cabinets, appliances, doors, and floors.
💨 Don’t forget the vents and window sills!
A spotless home = happy inspection.
🧼 Shampoo the Carpets
Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a pro.
✅ Keep your receipt or invoice to prove it was done.
This one step makes a huge difference.
🪟 Replace Broken Blinds
Even one bent or missing slat can count as damage.
Fix or replace before move-out day.
Tip: blinds are usually cheaper at Walmart or Amazon!
🔧 Turn in Work Orders
If something’s broken — a leaky faucet, cracked tile, broken drawer —
📲 Submit a maintenance request before you move out.
That way it’s fixed and not charged to you later.
💡 Check Every Light
Replace all burnt-out bulbs.
It’s small, but it adds up during inspections!
🩹 Patch Nail Holes
If your lease doesn’t say otherwise —
use lightweight spackle to fill in nail holes.
Then lightly touch up with matching paint if possible!
📎 Keep Every Receipt
Cleaning, shampooing, new blinds, whatever it is —
turn in proof when you hand over your keys.
It shows responsibility and helps protect your deposit.
💰 Final Tip
The goal: leave your home looking like you’d want to move into it!
That’s the secret to getting your full deposit back — no stress, no surprises.
#movingtips #lemon8career #propertymanagement #leasing #apartmentliving
Getting your security deposit back in full is a common concern for renters moving out, and following a few practical steps can make all the difference. First, thorough cleaning is a must—focus on every corner of your rental, including walls, baseboards, cabinets, appliances, and floors. Don’t overlook vents and window sills where dust can accumulate. A spotless home signals respect for the property and makes inspections smoother. Carpet cleanliness plays a vital role; renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to shampoo the carpets can significantly improve your chances. Be sure to keep the receipt as proof of this service, showing landlords you took responsibility for upkeep. Damaged fixtures like broken blinds can reduce your deposit, even if it's only one bent slat. Replacing or repairing these before you hand over the keys is a simple fix that prevents damage deductions. Additionally, submitting maintenance requests for any broken items such as leaky faucets or cracked tiles before moving out ensures repairs are handled by the landlord, not charged back to you. Don't forget about small details like burnt-out light bulbs and nail holes, which can add up during an inspection. Replace bulbs and use lightweight spackle to patch holes, touching up with paint if allowed. Crucially, keep all your receipts—from cleaning services to repairs—as evidence that you cared for the property. When you provide this documentation during the move-out inspection, it demonstrates responsibility and can help avoid disputes. Ultimately, the goal is to leave your home looking as if a new tenant would be happy to move in. This mindset encourages thorough cleaning and necessary repairs, eliminating surprises and stress while maximizing your refund. By adhering to these tips, you can confidently navigate your move-out and secure your security deposit with ease.
Girl I had so many maintenance requests when I moved into my apartment😭 I had no lightbulbs, a few missing handles on kitchen cabinets, dirty filter etc. if I don’t get mine back I swear