Renter or not, you want to feel at home in your residence. This includes, for many, the addition of decorative elements that help personalize a residence. But if you’re a tenant, the amount of your security deposit you receive returned depends greatly on the decorating decisions you make.
Usually, the terms of your lease agreement specify what modifications you may make without the landlord’s consent. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.
The lines between what is permitted and what is not must be understood. Learn how to avoid losing your security deposit by making careful design decisions and avoiding repair fees.
Causing Damage to the Property
Due to damage from renters’ decorating decisions, landlords frequently take money out of security deposits. Additionally, the damage must be significant enough to necessitate restorations. For instance, the landlord can deduct the cost of repairs from your security deposit if you placed bulky paintings or shelves on the walls that left significant holes, used adhesives that harmed paint or wallpaper, or made additional modifications that deteriorated the property.
The size of the deduction will depend on the severity of the damage. 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. In this case, your landlord may use your security deposit to cover the cost of restoring the property to its original condition.
One of the most frequently asked questions by renters is whether or not they are permitted to paint the interior of their rental home. Changing the paint color is a simple way to personalize a room or an entire home, so it’s understandable that this is a common concern.
Check your lease agreement or contact your landlord first, though, before you start making any colorful changes. Many leases indicate that you must return the house in the same condition that you found it, including the wall color.
Violating the Lease Terms
The security deposit may be withheld if your lease agreement contained specific requirements on decor choices (such as no painting or nailing things to the wall), and you disregarded them without the landlord’s prior consent. The provisions of your lease would have specified what was and was not permitted in terms of decoration. Many tenants fail to take into account the possible wall deterioration brought on by mounting framed art, televisions, or other home accents. The cost of repairs rises as the damage gets worse, and even a few nail holes in a wall might lower the amount of the security deposit that is reimbursed.
To protect your deposit, it’s crucial to plan your decor with the end in mind. You could use nail-free hangers or refrain from mounting anything on the wall. Large artwork or televisions can be placed on an accent tables or cabinets without causing damage to the wall.
Excessive Wear and Tear
Wear and tear that occurs during tenancy is commonplace for rental properties. However, if your decorations or furniture cause excessive damage, such as heavy furniture that damages the floors, or if you fail to maintain the property, the landlord may take a portion of your deposit to pay for necessary repairs or replacements.
To prevent floor damage, it is advisable to move heavy furniture with assistance and to position protective material underneath, such as a blanket or moving pad. To make moving your decor easier and less likely to result in damage, especially if you move your furniture around frequently, think about making an investment in felt cushioning for the bottoms.
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, therefore when decorating, keep in mind that you’ll need to return the house or apartment to its original condition. Your chances of receiving your entire security deposit increase the less restoration work that is necessary.
Check your lease agreement carefully, and if necessary, ask your landlord to explain why they’re retaining your security deposit. You can contest the deductions legally if you believe they are unlawful or don’t follow local regulations. Documenting the property’s condition when you moved in and out can aid your case when contesting the deductions. In order to comprehend your landlord’s perspective and possibly come to an agreement, it’s also a good idea to communicate with them.
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Originally Published on September 10, 2021
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