Here are tips to maximize your security deposit refund

Stains, damage caused by pets, holes in the walls, and anything that became broken after the tenant moved into the apartment will not count as normal wear and tear.  To maximize getting the most of your security deposit back do the following:



REPLACE DAMAGED/LOOSE HINGES

Check all hinges on the property, including door and cabinet hinges. If any of them have broken or come loose, purchase replacements and have them installed.

PATCH UP THE WALLS

Locate all holes that have been left in the walls, either from accidental damage or from hanging up photographs, shelves, or decorations. For small holes caused by nails, use a wall joint compound along with a putty knife. For large holes, you will need to use a bridging material covered by a patching compound.

APPLIANCES

All appliances that were inside the apartment when you moved in must be returned as close to their original condition as possible. Empty the refrigerator and thoroughly clean it, both on the inside and on the outside. De-grease the stove and oven and then scrub them clean. If the property came with a dishwasher, give it a good deep cleaning before you move out. A magic eraser can make the entire process a lot easier.

CABINETS AND COUNTERS

Empty the cabinets and clean them out with soap and water. Check the quality of any liners inside the cabinets. If they are damaged, replace them with identical or similar liners. Clean both the interior and the exterior of the cabinet doors and then scrub all counters and surfaces clean. These thorough cleanings do more than just make everything as presentable as possible.

PAINT

Repaint any walls that have stains or ones which you changed from their original color without the approval of the landlord. Also, you may need to repaint any areas where holes were repaired if the final color does not match the rest of the wall. When repainting, try to match the original color as close as possible.

CLEAN THE BATHROOM

Your landlord will likely notice and appreciate if you have scrubbed down the bathroom and left it spotless. Use bleach to leave the bathtub and sink sparkling white. You may also use bleach on the toilet but remember to never use the toilet without making sure that no bleach remains in the bowl. Ammonia mixed with bleach can create toxic vapors. Ideally, toilet cleaners should be used for the interior of the toilet.

FLOORS

Sweep or vacuum all floors and stairs, including the porch or patio if your apartment has one. Follow this by thoroughly mopping every room. If there is grime or buildup, a mop may not be enough to scrub it away. A rough sponge, S.O.S. pad, or magic eraser may be needed to do the trick.