Renting an apartment or house can be one of the more exciting experiences, although a little brutal for young professionals going through it for the first time. One of the main concerns a tenant has is the charges for something they are not expecting after having vacated the apartment. Such charges include cleaning fees, repainting costs, and deductions from security deposits. In this article, we will uncover Landlord Secrets, helping you understand everything you need to know about your lease, navigate the moving-out process, and avoid unexpected surprises.
Explaining Understanding Your Lease Agreement
Your lease is a contract on all the terms about your rental agreement. It is like a rulebook that would govern your stay. You pay for that right of having a roof over your head, but you also have obligations as a tenant. Every state has standard lease agreements, but most landlords write their own with terms favoring the landlord more.
Important Sections to Read in Your Lease
Important Terms in Your Lease. In order to protect yourself, you must understand the important terms of your lease.
Rent Amount & Payment Terms
- Know how much you are to pay every month.
- Look for the due date and the policies on late payment.
- Ensure what forms of payments are acceptable: online, check, direct deposit, etc.
Security Deposit
- This is an amount refundable in case you cause damage.
- It should state what is “damage” and what is “wear and tear.”
- Some states have provisions about when deposits must be returned
Lease Term
- Clearly states when your lease starts and ends
- Whether it automatically renews and rolls over into a month-to-month tenancy
Utilities & Maintenance
- State which utilities you will be responsible for
- Determine who pays for maintenance and repairs.
- Know whether you will be charged for pest control, lawn maintenance, or garbage collection.
Notice Period before Leaving
- Most require that you give from 30-60 days before leaving.
- Not doing this however will cost more.
Pet Requirement
If pet owners, look if the Lease requires any “pet deposit/pet rent at signing of any lease. Furthermore, there will be additional leasing fees if he or she uses pet cleaning during the rental
Eviction Requirement
- Be enlightened on the “basis for conducting evictions of tenants not landowners, avoid getting in many legal problems”.
- Tardiness in paying rent, damaging the property, and breaking the lease agreement can result in eviction.
Security Deposit Return Policy
- This is an important section as it outlines the criteria for getting your deposit back.
- Know what deductions landlords can make (carpet cleaning, painting, repairs).
- If anything is unclear, ask your landlord to clarify.
Red Flags to Watch For
Some landlords will be hiding in other fees or murky language in your lease. Here are just a few to watch out for:
- Unclear deductions from your security deposit
- Administrative fees or wear and tear that simply sound ridiculous.
- Some will levy a ginormous pet deposit on you they claim you may never get back.
- Auto renewal clauses to hold you here without letting you know of their process for renewals on you.
Navigating the Move-Out Process
Once you are done with your lease term, following the proper process can save you from any surprises at the end.
1. Check Your Lease Before Leaving
Go through your lease agreement one more time, looking for the following:
- How much notice.
- Cleaning and moving out expectations.
- Charges that will be incurred due to extra damage beyond regular wear and tear.
2. Schedule a Pre-Move-Out Inspection
A pre-move-out inspection can provide you with the opportunity to correct problems before you are officially out of a place. Some key steps:
- Request that your landlord or property manager inspect.
- Note any suggested repairs or cleaning.
- Generally, fix minor damages yourself: fill in small holes, change light bulbs, clean carpets, etc.
3. Document Everything
Before turning over the keys:
- Photograph and video each room from all angles including walls, floors, and appliances.
- Keep photocopies of cleaning receipts (carpet cleaning, professional cleaning, etc.).
- Maintain a written record of all correspondence with your landlord.
4. Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Most of the tenancies will leave the house spotless. Among the requirements includes the following.
- Bathroom and kitchen thorough clean
- All the floors will be vacuumed and mopped.
- Fill up holes from the wall due to hanging
- Baseboard and window sills wiping clean
- Clear away all personal belonging and rubbish.
5. Collect All Keys and Access Devices
- Return the apartment keys
- The mailbox keys
- Garage remote
- Access Fob of Building
- Will not return anything will attract more levies
6. Demand for Walk-through End
When leaving the apartment, ask your landlord or property manager to follow you around the apartment. After he or she has confirmed that it is good and everything is good, request him or her to write about it or to email.
How to Protest Unfair Charges
Sometimes, with caution, these surprises come as shock charges for moving out tenants. But when that happens unfair and you receive charges:
Request for Itemized Breakdown of Charges
- Request the landlord for a detailed list of deductions
- Charges need to be made according to the terms of lease.
Compare to Move-In Condition
- If you have taken photographs of the house when you have moved in compare that with your move-out pictures.
- If such damage existed, document it prior.
Negotiate with Landlord
- Make them explain themselves and plead against any foul deductions.
- Deductions of receipts where you had professional cleaning or have done repairs yourself.
Complaint
- If negotiation is not successful, you can appeal to your state’s tenant rights organization or small claims court.
Also Read: California Fires, Houston Floods: Is Your Home Safe? Wild Weather Alert! | Sonal Shah Houston
Conclusion
Knowledge of your lease agreement is what will keep you from unexpected charges when moving out. Reading your lease, noting everything, and following a move-out process structured by the lease will help keep you from any unfair deductions.
If this guide has been helpful, share it with your friends or leave a comment about your own renting experiences.