One of the most common questions many renters have is “What do I need to do to get as much of my Security Deposit refunded after move out?” While there is no easy answer to this question, we will give you three ideas on how to receive a higher security deposit refund
1.Touch Up Painting: Taking a swatch and having paint matched and made for you is an easy and cheap fix to wall scuffs. This could potentially save you $200-$400 dollars as a professional company not only charges for paint, but time and labor as well. Do not forget the baseboards and if you have hung pictures, spackling and filling nail holes will also promote a larger return. With a little elbow grease and a trip to your local hardware store, these simple fixes could potentially save you hundreds!
2.Clean! Clean! Clean: Having a pristinely cleaned unit or rental home will also help you receive the max amount of your deposit back. A thorough cleaning on the space you were occupying could save you money! Give extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms of your rental, as those locations tend to be the prime spots for spills and stains. If the rental you are moving out of has carpeted floors know that vacuuming may not be enough! If you are considering having your place professionally cleaned it might actually be better not to. Why would this be? The reason is that Utopia Management hires professional vendors who give us preferred rates; these rates are passed along to you as our tenant. This is a deduction from you deposit, but if you need to pay for it anyway, this is actually a savings to you as our tenant. Utopia will do all the work and get you a discount at the same time… How’s that for service.
3.Prevention is the Golden Rule: The most important rule about maximizing your deposit return resides in prevention. Utopia Management will only charge you for items that are not normal wear and tear. So minimizing breakage and damage during your tenancy will mean a higher refund at the end. Also, remember to fill out the move in form to document the original condition of your place. Also, it is important to note that anything that needs to be repaired at move in is not for the move in sheet. For anything that you wish to have fixed you should contact the maintenance department at 858-598-1111 x126. Be sure to report any future maintenance issues as they arise. Always strive to return your rental in the condition in which you received it! This will save you money and a headache when it comes time to move out.