Tricks and Tips for Renters: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back from Your Apartment Landlord

It may sound like I am a pessimist, but there are some things that I know won't go right the first time around. I think that your social security disability claim is going to be denied the first time around. I think the insurance company is going to try to find any reason to deny your claim. And I just know that your landlord is not going to return your security deposit at the end of your lease.

I've only lived in two apartments, but in both of the cases, the landlord kept the security deposit. And in both of those cases, I was able to get my security deposit back. Here are some Millionaire Tips on how you can get your security deposit back too.

The security deposit is there so that if you damage the property during your stay, the landlord has some money with which to repair the property. It can also be used to pay back rent and fees.

If you can return the property in the same state it was when you got it, and have been making timely rental payments, the landlord is required to return the security deposit. There is also some regular expected wear and tear that can happen when you live in the property, although what is regular and expected is often debated between tenant and landlord. Here is a chart of some problems, to give you an idea of what is reasonable and what is excessive. There are very strict laws about security deposits, but they vary by municipality, so you will want to check with your city, county, or state officials to get proper information about your area.

You are not responsible for any problems that already exist in the apartment before you move in. Make sure you document these problems. Before you move into your new apartment, you should look around and take some photos of the problem areas in the apartment, and make a list of the issues. Some landlords will ask you to do this, but even if they don't, it is a good idea, since you will be able to prove that the issue happened before you moved in.

As a bonus, you can even ask your landlord to correct some of these issues before you move in, so you can have a pleasant residence that doesn't have these annoying problems.

During your stay in the apartment, treat the property with respect. The landlord is letting you stay on his property, and you should treat it as if you were a guest on the property. If you tear a hole in the wall or break a window, it is your responsibility to fix it. It isn't fair for you to expect your landlord to fix something because you weren't careful, or decided to take your anger out on your apartment. By treating the property with respect, you will save yourself a great deal of money.

If something gets broken or you notice an issue, be sure to let your landlord know so he can correct it before it turns into an even bigger problem. The fewer problems in your apartment when you move out, the more likely you are to be able to get your security deposit back.

By paying your rent timely and staying on good terms with your landlord, he may be willing to overlook some small damage you have caused during your stay, and may be more willing to return your security deposit.

Most municipalities will not let you use the security deposit as last month's rent, and I do not recommend it. When you follow your part of the contract correctly, you are more likely to get support from your landlord and the law.

Be sure to give proper notice to your landlord, so he has time to find a new tenant, and can make plans to adjust his financial situation without your future rent payment. The nicer you are to your landlord at this time, the less likely you will have issues with your security deposit due to personality conflicts.

When you move out, be sure to take all of your belongings, and make the effort to clean the place, especially if you have stains or any gunk that has built up. Most municipalities will not require that you clean the place before you move, but it is a good gesture that will build up some good will.

Make sure that you give your landlord the keys to your apartment. Give him your new address, so he can return the security deposit to you, or provide you with an itemization of costs that keep you from getting the security deposit back.

Most municipalities have a short window in which you should get your security deposit back - usually one or two weeks. If you don't get your deposit or itemization by then, call the landlord. If you disagree with the itemization, call the landlord. If you truly believe that you are not to blame for the items that are on the itemization, then call and politely state your case.

Do not get hostile or angry. The first time I call someone to state any case, I assume that she is not aware of the facts, and that by simply informing her of my side of the story, she may be willing to change her mind.

Most people want to avoid a confrontation and/or negative publicity, and will likely return your money, especially since they know you are in the right.

I was able to get my security deposit back for both of my apartments, even after they refused at first, by simply talking to the landlords and stating my case. In both cases, they cited pre-existing issues, and once I told them that the apartment came that way, they returned my deposit. I didn't have pictures to prove it, but I didn't need them.

If, after talking to the landlord calmly, you still do not get your security deposit back, and still feel that you are entitled to it, you can take your landlord to small claims court to get it back. There are government agencies that will even help you understand the laws, and maybe even fight for you if they believe you are in the right, so you don't have to do it alone. With the photos you have already taken when you moved in, you will have some evidence to back up your case.

By treating your landlord and your apartment respectfully, you are likely to return your apartment back to your landlord in the same condition you got it, and are more likely to get your security deposit back. Sometimes this involves a phone call with a landlord, or a court case. There is no reason to let your landlord keep money that rightfully belongs to you.