Landlords can take out of security deposits for excessive loss or expenses caused by tenants. The security deposits can be used to cover costs for repairs, painting, cleaning, item replacement or removal. The ideal way to know whether a tenant should receive their deposit is by using an inspection report. Here we are going to take a deeper look at some of the potential deductions in security deposits.
1. Repair costs
Repair cost to fix tenant caused damages is the most common deductions landlords take from security deposits. After moving into a property, tenants are expected to maintain it and avoid causing damage. In fact, a tenant should leave a property in the same condition as they met it. But sometimes, despite efforts to keep this maintenance and even with the help of a consumer law advocate, damage happens. When a rental property is damaged by occupants, the landlord can reduce repair costs from the security deposit.
2. Painting costs
Landlords are responsible for repainting their units every few years, this is part of basic maintenance. In these situations, they can’t deduct from the deposits. The only situation they can touch those funds is if the tenant painted over the original color or damaged the walls. Tenants are expected to always check their lease agreement before making any repair in rental property.
Read this to learn key safety steps to consider before signing a lease agreement.
If the lease doesn’t specify what they can do they should ask the landlord. Following lease terms is the best way to get security deposits back. Many landlords agree to allow new paint if the occupants agree to return the walls to their original colors before moving out. In this situation, the security deposits are safe as long as they follow the rules, failure to do so means part of the security deposits can be used to repaint the walls.
Keep in mind that even if it’s not written in the lease, some landlords don’t allow occupants to repaint especially if the unit is professionally painted. If the occupants put unreasonable holes in the walls and the landlord has to fix and repaint them, they can deduct the costs from the security deposit.
3. Cleaning costs
If a tenant moves out of a rental property without cleaning it properly, the landlord can take out or even all the security deposits. This happens especially if they have to hire a professional cleaning service to return the unit back to its original form. Tenants may not receive their security deposit if they leave any of the following in the unit: excessive mold or mildew buildup, pet messes such as urine stains, extreme dirtiness and pests.
4. Removal or disposal costs
When moving out of a rental unit, tenants are expected to pack everything without leaving anything behind. Abandoning items can make the landlord entitled to their security deposit to remove disposal cost. Leaving small items like glassware or cutlery will likely not cause any problem, the landlord can choose to dispose of time or leave them for the next tenant.
However, if the tenant leaves behind large items that are even hard or difficult to remove like mattress or sofa since these items most times cannot be left in garbage collections so some occupants decide to leave them in their old unit. This means, landlords will have to look for a large vehicle to take the items to a landfill or collection site which is considered a major inconvenience.
Additionally, some landfills and collection sites may charge for disposing of large items like mattresses, sofas, kitchen appliances, air conditioners and more. In this case, the landlord can remove the cost of getting rid of the items from the tenant’s security deposit.
5. Unpaid rent and utilities
If the tenant has unpaid rent or utilities at the end of their stay which can directly translate to the new occupant, the landlord can take from their security deposit to settle the unpaid rent and utilities. If they are even allowed to charge late fees, they will remove it from the deposit as well. It’s advised that tenants should make sure that they pay even their electricity, gas and water bills last month. Since the landlord is the property owner legally, they might be held responsible for any outstanding utility bill.
Visit
Understanding Lease Violations: A Comprehensive Guide – Friendly Law Guides for more information on lease violations.
Conclusion
There are many scenarios that will result in deduction from tenants’ deposits including failure to settle rent fees or utility bills. If they damage the property, repaint it, leaving the property dirty while moving out requires the landlord to hire professional cleaners. They can also deduct if you leave a big mess like sofas, mattress and other big items.
