YOU MUST BE AWARE OF YOUR LOCAL LAWS CONCERNING SECURITY DEPOSITS.
AFTER THE TENANT HAS VACATED THE PREMISES, YOU, AS THE LANDLORD, MAY USE THE SECURITY DEPOSIT TO MAKE DEDUCTIONS FOR:
✓ Unpaid rent
✓ Costs of damage caused by the tenant’s failure to comply with their obligations as a tenant but not those considered to be standard wear and tear
✓ Carpet cleaning requiring more than a common vacuum cleaner (e.g., shampooing, cleaning or replacing the carpets, etc.)
✓ Labor cost for cleaning and repairs by you at a fair rate
HOW TO AVOID A DISPUTE: Some tenants think that they can use the security deposit just to cover rent, but that is not what the security deposit is for. Again, you must be aware of your local laws concerning security deposits and make sure that the tenant is informed of the stipulations regarding them. To avoid disagreements later, do a walkthrough inspection with the tenant before move-in and make a list of any existing problems. You can use AAOA’s free move-in/move-out checklist. Both parties should then sign the list. Take pictures of the property during inspection and again when they move out to illustrate why you are withholding any security deposit funds. If all or part of the security deposit is being withheld, be sure to document what you used the funds for. Keep any receipt for supplies you had to buy or labor you hired to fix the damages.
KEEP ANY RECEIPT FOR SUPPLIES YOU HAD TO BUY OR LABOR YOU HIRED TO FIX THE DAMAGES.
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