How to get your full security deposit back when moving

A security deposit is a down payment that a renter makes to the property owner before moving in. This is not a rent payment — it's money that the landlord holds to cover damages to the property, unpaid rent and any other violations of the rental agreement. Once you move out, your landlord will return your deposit in full or provide you with an itemized list of deductions, and the remaining balance will be returned to you.

Sounds pretty easy, right? Not always. Some landlords have stricter rules than others, with some tenants feeling like they need to gear up for the big battle of the deposit with their landlord. According to data from Roost , a company that provides financial tools for renters and property owners, 59% of renters don't expect to get their full deposit back. While getting your deposit back can certainly be tricky, there are a few essential things that must be taken care of before you move out. Here are some tips on how to get your full security deposit back and your rights as a renter.

Tips to get your full security deposit back when moving

Provide plenty of move-out notice

Got a moving date in mind ? Let your landlord know when you're moving out as soon as possible. Providing a proper move-out notice is one of the easiest steps you can take toward getting your deposit back. The amount of notice needed depends on your state's rental laws and your specific lease agreement, but generally, you'll want to give at least 30 days' notice that you plan on moving out or terminating the lease. This goes for both long-term and short-term, month-to-month leases.

Before making any assumptions, carefully look over your lease to see what the termination parameters are. Breaking certain rules on your lease , like early termination or unpaid rent or utility bills, can result in the property owner using your deposit as compensation.

Do a deep clean

Cleaning isn't the most fun activity, but it's got to be done if you want your deposit back. Plan for a deep clean, ideally once all your belongings are packed up and out of the way. The goal is to leave the property or unit cleaner than it was the day you first moved in. 

Failure to clean the property up to the landlord's standards before moving out means there's a good possibility that part of your security deposit will go toward the cost of a professional cleaning crew . If so, you should receive an itemized deduction list with the remaining balance of your deposit (assuming you weren't charged for anything else).

To avoid this, it's best to clean up after yourself as best you can. Make sure to bring all of your belongings with you and throw out any trash. Leaving anything behind, whether it's trash or treasure, could result in deductions from your deposit. 

Things to consider deep-cleaning before moving out:

• Empty and wipe down all appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven)

• Clean the stove burners and drip pans

• Clean the oven racks and interior

• Scrub the bathroom

• Clean and empty all cabinets and drawers (under the sinks, kitchen cabinets, silverware drawer, etc.)

• Sweep or vacuum floors

• Mop the floors

• Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans and blinds 

Repair any minor damage

Homes are built to be lived in, so a little wear and tear from living in a given space is to be expected. What's not OK is any major damage or unauthorized changes made to the rental property. Incidents that call for professional repairs, like water leaks, HVAC issues, broken appliances, plumbing issues and large holes need to be reported to either the landlord or the property's maintenance staff well before you move out. 

You don't want the cost of replacing a busted garbage disposal to come out of your pocket because you failed to report it while you were living there. Minor damage, such as carpet stains, nail holes in the wall and chipped paint or discoloration, can likely be taken care of on your own. Small holes can be filled in with a small amount of spackle found at your local hardware store. The same goes for a paint; just be sure you get the right color. Carpet stains can be removed with a bottle of carpet cleaner and scrubbing, but tough stains might require the use of hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

These are some common damages that landlords look for when a tenant moves out, according to U.S. News :

• Stained carpets

• Scratched or scuffed hardwood floors

• Damage to the walls (holes and paint damage)

• Any unauthorized changes to the walls or ceiling

• Damage to doorframes

• Damage to appliances

• Any damage left behind by pets

• Foul odors

Ask your landlord to perform a final walkthrough

Having your landlord walk through the unit with you before you move out gives them the chance to assess the damage for themselves, and you the chance to directly address (or dispute) specific issues. Point out any damage done to the property that was there before you moved in. Now's also the time to review any pictures or videos you took of the interior and exterior of the property before you moved in. The key to getting your deposit back is to provide as much context and documentation as you can.

How long does it take to get a security deposit back?

The time it takes to actually get your deposit back depends on your state's housing and rental laws. In New York, for example, you should expect to get your deposit within 14 days of your move-out date. Other states, like West Virginia, can leave you waiting for your deposit for up to 60 days. In general, though, you'll most states require property owners to give you your money within 14 to 30 days of your move-out date.

However, you should know that some states allow property owners to hold your security deposit for a longer period of time if you failed to provide a proper notice to terminate your lease. The amount of time it takes to assess the state of the unit and any damage or repair costs will also affect the timeframe of your refund. Be sure to leave your landlord with an accurate forwarding address so they know where to send the money.

Know your rights as a renter

Regardless of whether the rental is damaged or not, you should know your rights as a renter. Because housing laws vary by state, you'll need to locate your state's specific agency that addresses tenant rights . Think about places like your state's attorney general or housing agency websites, or even your state's tenant rights handbook.

What your security deposit can and can't be used for also varies by state, but the laws are relatively similar in nature. Most of them have to do with using the money to cover unpaid rent and utility bills, as well as the cost of repairing any damage to the property. 

Using North Carolina as an example , here's what your landlord is legally allowed to use your security deposit for:

• Unpaid rent

• Damage to the property that is not of reasonable use

• The cost of removing or storing any items left behind

• Court costs if you're being sued for eviction

Make sure you're following all the rules outlined in your lease's terms and conditions before seeking legal assistance. 

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