Wear & tear Security Deposit Guide
We may use some of your security deposit to restore your home to the way it looked and functioned when you moved in, assuming normal wear and tear.
Expect to receive your refund to the forwarding address you provide within 30 days after your move out date. Security deposit return timelines may vary by state. An itemized statement of deductions and your deposit return will be sent to you within one month of moving out of your home. Please contact your Portfolio Director if you don’t receive your security deposit within your state’s return timeline.
All homes age with use, so you are not liable for natural aging of the home.
Items considered normal wear and tear include:
Small scratches in the paint
Small nail holes from pictures
Loose hinges/doorknobs
Minimal weed growth in the lawn
Your deposit will only be deducted from damages caused to the property that are more than reasonable wear and tear.
Examples of items that will be deducted include:
Large scratches
Large holes and drywall repair
Missing hinges/doorknobs
Excessive lawn overgrowth
Security Deposit Guide
Cleaning deductions
Check the detailed list below that may cause deductions. Low cost covers minor repairs; high cost applies to major damage.
Repair deductions
Check the detailed list below that may cause deductions. Low cost covers minor repairs; high cost applies to major damage.
Replacement deductions
Check the detailed list below that may cause deductions. Low cost covers minor repairs; high cost applies to major damage.
Repainting deductions
Check the detailed list below that may cause deductions. Low cost covers minor repairs; high cost applies to major damage.
I. Set a move out date & provide written notice
Once you set your move out date, contact your Renewal Coordinator, who will walk you through the process of submitting your notice to vacate. Once your notice is submitted, we’ll schedule your Pre-Move Out Visit.
Submit a written notice to vacate at least 60 days before your lease end date (30 days for Seattle).
Complete the Notice to Vacate form provided by your Renewal Coordinator and include a signature on your notice for every resident on your lease.
II. Do a general deep cleaning
Make sure your home looks like it did when you moved in. Our team made sure your home was clean from floor to ceiling and that your systems were in working order.
Kitchens – Clean all surfaces, including cabinets, countertops, sinks, etc.
Bathrooms – Clean all surfaces, including sinks, tubs, toilets, bathtub surrounds, etc.
Appliances – Emptied, clean, and free of damage, such as broken parts
Ensure all personal property, furniture, and trash is removed from the home.
If you have pets, please eliminate pet odors and repair damage caused by pets.
III. Check and clean walls, windows, and floors
Walls, doors, and trim – Wipe down all surfaces and ensure they are undamaged. Any painting should be corner to corner or done by a professional. Improper painting or patching could cause a deposit deduction.
Carpet – Have the carpet professionally cleaned and confirm that all stains are removed. Please leave a copy of your receipt in the home.
Other flooring surfaces – Ensure that all other flooring (tile, laminate, wood, vinyl, etc.) is clean and free of any discoloration or residue.
Make sure all hardware is still in place and functional, including doorknobs, blinds, shower rods, door stops, towel bars, closet door guides, etc.
IV. Maintain the outside of your home
Driveways – Leave driveways and garages free of oil stains. If necessary, have your driveway power-washed.
Landscaping – Make sure the landscape is well-maintained. Let the pros at TaskEasy take care of this step for you with a one-time lawn mowing service. Schedule a final lawn service today .
Have the lawn mowed, edged, and weed controlled.
Cover flower beds with mulch to protect from weeds.
Don’t forget to trim trees (up to 10 feet high), hedges, and shrubs to be one foot away from the home.
Pest Control – Ensure pest control service has been scheduled within the last three months of residency. Use your resident discount from our partners at Terminix. Schedule a final visit today.
Pools – If applicable, ensure that any pool alarms and provided equipment are still in place and functioning properly. Verify that all gates, pool fences, and other access points to the pool are closed.
Home Exterior – If your home had window screens at the start of your lease, make sure they’re in good condition. If you had a satellite dish mounted, please have it professionally removed.
V. Do a final check
On move out day, take a final walk through your home to make sure you’ve taken all your belongings and left the home clean and clear. Make sure you don’t leave behind any boxes, trash, paper, or other items.
Leave all garage remotes on the kitchen countertop
Install new HVAC air filters .
Replace any light bulbs that are not working.
Replace batteries in smoke detectors and Smart Home equipment, if needed.
Ensure all personal property, furniture, and trash is removed from the home.
Place your house keys in the lock box provided at your Pre-Move Out Visit.
VI. Plan ahead to make your move easier
Forward your mail
Arrange via usps.com to have your mail forwarded on to your new address.
Cancel utilities & services
Make sure you have canceled all services (internet, electricity, cable, etc.) before you move.
Schedule movers ahead of time
Use a reputable moving service or ask someone to help you with your move.
Organize and label your boxes
Before you start packing, make sure you have tape, boxes, packing paper, markers, and labels.