You want to feel at ease in your rental home. For many, this involves including decorative components that enhance the individuality of a home. However, if you are a renter, your decorating decisions can have a significant impact on how much of your security deposit you get returned.
What alterations you are permitted to make and those that require your landlord’s approval are typically outlined in your lease agreement. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.
It is essential to be aware of what is permitted and what is prohibited. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making intelligent design decisions and avoiding costly repairs.
Causing Damage to the Property
Landlords frequently deduct security deposits because of tenant-caused damage to the interior design. It’s crucial to remember that there must be enough damage to warrant repairs. The cost of repairs may be deducted from your security deposit by the landlord, for instance, if you placed bulky artwork or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that ruined paint or wallpaper, or made other changes that physically damaged the property.
The total amount of the deduction will depend on how much damage there is. To avoid disputes over security deposit deductions, it is essential to carefully review your lease agreement and comprehend the requirements for decor choices and property maintenance.
Failure to Restore the Original Condition
Let’s say your lease agreement said that you had to restore the property to its initial state at the end of the lease, but you neglected to do so after making alterations to the decor. The costs involved in restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your security deposit, according to your landlord.
Whether tenants can paint the interior of their rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. Given that painting a room or a whole house a different color is a simple way to add your own style, it makes sense why this is a common issue among renters.
Check your lease agreement or contact your landlord first, though, before you start making any colorful changes. Many tenancies stipulate that you must return the property in its original condition, including the original wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
If the restrictions of your lease agreement regarding decor choices were followed without the landlord’s prior approval (e.g., no painting or nailing things to the wall), the security deposit may be withheld as a result. What was and wasn’t permitted in terms of decoration would have been stated in your lease agreement. Many renters do not consider the potential wall damage caused by the installation of framed artwork, mounted televisions, and other wall-mounted decorative items. Even a few nail holes in a wall can result in a reduction of the security deposit, and the cost of restorations rises in proportion to the extent of the damage.
It’s critical to plan your decor with the final result in mind to protect your deposit. You could choose hangers without nails or avoid wall hangings altogether. Large televisions or pieces of artwork can function just as well on top of an accent table or cabinet and won’t do any damage to the walls.
Excessive Wear and Tear
It is normal for a rental property to experience wear and strain over the course of a tenancy. However, if your choice of furnishings causes undue wear and tear, such as when heavy furniture scrapes the floors, or if you fail to keep up with routine maintenance, the landlord may take a portion of your security deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it’s best to move large furniture pieces with the assistance of another person and to provide a protective surface below, like a blanket or moving pad. If you frequently rearrange your furniture, consider investing in felt cushioning for the bottom to make rearranging your decor easier and less likely to cause wear and tear.
Cleaning Costs
Your landlord is allowed to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if your interior design choices or general living habits cause the property to be excessively dirty or in need of repair beyond normal wear and tear.
When renting a home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll eventually move out. As a result, decorating must be done with the understanding that you’ll need to return the home or apartment to its original state. You are more likely to receive your entire security deposit back the less restoration work is necessary.
Check your lease agreement carefully, and if necessary, ask your landlord to explain why they’re retaining your security deposit. If you believe the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local laws, you can legally contest them. If you want to challenge the deductions, you may be able to do so by providing evidence of the property’s condition at the time of your move in and out. It’s also a good idea to talk to your landlord so you can grasp their perspective and perhaps come to an agreement.
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Originally Published on September 21 2021
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