There aren't a lot of people out there who haven't been part of some sort of deposit nightmare. From getting a bill in the mail after you've moved-out to getting dinged for things a complex said they wouldn't be dinging you for, getting your rent deposit back can seem like a hassle through and though. However, we've been in the apartment game for quite some time and can share with you some sure-fire ways to protect yourself. From the day you sign your lease to the follow-up process after your move-out, there are some steps you can take to put yourself in the best possible position of getting your rent deposit back.
Before You Lease: Read the fine print. Many properties have cleaning fees and other "mandatory" charges associated with your move-out. If you're going to get charged for certain items, you may change your mind about your choice of property (this is great information to share with your Houston apartment locator, by the way - we can help you avoid properties like this!). If you decide to go ahead and rent, then you'll at least know what you do and don't have to do when you move out.
Before You Move: Request a pre-move-out inspection from your property manager. Ask them to walk through your unit with you and notate anything you need to fix in order to avoid being charged. Most importantly, have them sign-off and agree to what they told you needed to be fixed. If you need touch-up paint, request that from the property's maintenance staff. The most important part of the process is getting consensus on what you need to fix. Get it in writing!
When You Move-Out: Have yet another walk-through done with a member of the leasing staff and have them sign-off on any discrepancies. This way, they can't come back after the fact and ding your deposit. Clarify upon move-out what the time frame is for the return of your lease deposit. Every state is different. Confirm that the property has the correct forwarding address so your check gets to you quickly.
