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Decorative Choices and Your Security Deposit

Ballard Renter Hanging ArtworkYou want to feel at home in the property you’re renting as a tenant. For many, this entails including ornamental components that help individualize a property. If you are a tenant, though, your decorating decisions could have a big impact on how much of your security deposit you receive back.

Typically, your lease specifies which alterations are permitted and which require permission from your landlord. However, if you are uncertain, you may make alterations that result in a deduction from your security deposit.

Knowing the limits of what is permitted and what is not is crucial. Discover how to avoid losing your security deposit by choosing tasteful design and avoiding repair fees.

Causing Damage to the Property

Landlords frequently deduct security deposits due to tenant-inflicted damage caused by their decor choices. 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 deduction will be proportional to the extent 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

Assume that the rental contract required you to return the property to its original state at the end of the lease, and you neglected to do so after making decor-related alterations. The costs associated with restoring the property to its initial condition could then be covered by your landlord using the security deposit you provided.

Whether tenants can paint the interior of their rental home is one of the most commonly asked questions by renters. Given that painting a room or a whole house a different color is a simple way to add your own style, it makes sense why this is a common issue among renters.

Check your lease agreement or contact your landlord first, though, before you start making any colorful changes. Many leases stipulate that the property must be returned in its original condition, including the wall color.

Violating the Lease Terms

If your lease agreement specified certain decor restrictions (such as no painting or nailing of items to the walls) and you violated them without your landlord’s permission, this could be justification for withholding the security deposit. What was and wasn’t permitted in terms of decoration would have been stated in your lease agreement. Many renters do not consider the potential wall damage caused by the installation of framed artwork, mounted televisions, and other wall-mounted decorative items. Even a few nail holes in a wall can result in a reduction of the security deposit, and the cost of restorations rises in proportion to the extent of the damage.

To protect your deposit, it’s crucial to plan your decor with the end in mind. You might opt for hangers without nails or forego wall hangings altogether. Large pieces of art or televisions can function just as well on top of an accent table or cabinet and won’t harm the walls.

Excessive Wear and Tear

It is normal for a rental property to experience wear and strain over the course of a tenancy. The landlord may keep a percentage of your deposit to pay the cost of repairs or replacements, though, if your choice of decor causes substantial damage, such as when heavy furniture harms the floors or if you fail to maintain the property.

To prevent floor damage, it is essential to move heavy furniture with the assistance of another person and to place protective material below, such as a blanket or moving pad. Consider purchasing felt padding for the bottom of your furniture if you move your furniture frequently to make it easier to rearrange your décor and reduce the likelihood of damage.

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.

It is essential to keep in mind that when you rent a home, you will eventually move out, so you must decorate with the understanding that you will need to return the home or apartment to its original condition. You’re more likely to receive your entire security deposit refunded if there isn’t much restoration work needed.

Check your lease agreement and, if necessary, your landlord’s justifications for keeping your security deposit very carefully as a tenant. If you believe that the deductions are unjustified or do not comply with local regulations, you can challenge them legally. 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.

This year, do you plan to relocate to a new rental property? Real Property Management may have the ideal home for you! Real Property Management Uintah has quality rental homes for every taste and budget, so check out our listings today!

 

Originally Published on September 10, 2021

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