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Writer's pictureDiana Marshall

I'm a Realtor: You don't have to lose your Security Deposit When You Move From a Rental



Moving out of a rental property? According to a Zillow study, almost half of recent

renters who moved from a previous rental say they disagreed with their landlord or property manager about something. About a fifth (19%) said they disagreed about repair, damage or maintenance on the property and a sixth (16%) disagreed about move-out costs or fees and one in seven (17%) on the responsibility for utility payments like electricity, heat, gas, or internet. 


How do you ensure you get your security deposit back. Whether you're relocating to a new city or just upgrading your space, no one wants to lose money unnecessarily. As a realtor, I’ve seen situations where tenants didn’t follow key steps and ended up losing part or all of their deposits. Here’s how you can avoid that and maximize your chances of getting your full security deposit back.

1. Review Your Lease Agreement

Get on the same page with your Landlord. Your lease is your best guide for what the landlord expects when you move out. Carefully read through the sections related to the security deposit and the condition the property should be left in. Some leases may have specific requirements like professional carpet cleaning or repairs. Understanding these details from the beginning will save you trouble later on.

2. Take Photos Before and After

When you move in, it’s crucial to document the property’s condition with photos or videos. Make sure to capture any pre-existing damage and keep these photos handy for when you move out. This way, you can prove that certain issues were there before you arrived.

When moving out, do the same—take detailed photos of every room after you’ve cleaned and emptied the space. This visual record can be valuable if any disputes arise about damages.

3. Repair What You Can

Most leases allow for some “normal wear and tear,” but things like holes in the walls, broken fixtures, or damage to flooring could cost you part of your deposit. Small repairs like patching holes from hanging pictures, replacing broken blinds, or fixing minor leaks can save you from being charged larger fees.

If you're not comfortable making certain repairs, hire a handyman to handle them. The small upfront cost may save you more than the deduction you’d face otherwise.

4. Clean Thoroughly

A deep cleaning is one of the simplest ways to ensure you get your full deposit back. Don't just focus on the obvious areas; landlords may deduct for things like dirty baseboards, dusty blinds, or stains in the bathtub. Clean every room, including less obvious areas like the inside of cabinets, appliances, and closets.

If cleaning isn't your strong suit, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do the work for you. Just be sure to keep a receipt to show your landlord if needed.

5. Notify Your Landlord and Communicate Clearly

Give your landlord the required notice before moving out, as stated in your lease. Not doing so can result in penalties. In addition, provide a forwarding address for your deposit refund and keep all communication professional and documented. If your landlord deducts any portion of your deposit, they are required to provide an itemized list of charges. If you disagree, respond calmly and provide the documentation you’ve gathered.

6. Understand What’s Fair Wear and Tear

Some wear and tear is expected and won’t cost you your deposit. For example, faded paint, minor scuffs, or carpet wear from foot traffic are generally not considered damage. However, large stains, broken appliances, or extensive damage to walls or floors likely will be deducted. If you’re unsure, refer back to your lease or ask your landlord what they consider “fair wear and tear.”

7. Return All Keys and Access Devices

Don’t forget to return any keys, garage door openers, or other access devices. Failing to do so could result in charges for changing the locks or replacing lost items, which could come directly out of your deposit.


Final Thoughts

The key to getting your security deposit back is planning ahead and taking the right steps from the beginning. By documenting the property’s condition, addressing small repairs, and leaving the home in pristine condition, you’ll increase your chances of receiving your full deposit. If your landlord withholds any portion of your deposit, knowing your rights and keeping good records can help you dispute any unfair charges.


Need more advice on renting, moving or better yet, buying home? Feel free to reach out! As a realtor in the Tampa Bay area, I’m ready to help with your real estate needs.

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