Security Deposit Drama

[Ayodeji Kuponiyi]

I woke up this morning to the sound of someone banging my door. Turns out it was an old/ex tenant that moved out earlier this month. He was upset to find out via mail that he is not receiving any of his security deposit. Prior to move out, I gave the then tenant a checklist of things he had to clean up and do to get his security deposit back. 

On move-out day I did my move-out inspection report with the tenant present and pointed to the stained and dirty carpets, holes on the walls throughout the unit and noticed the refrigerator wasn't totally clean and the bathroom wasn't clean. The paint job cost $700, $110 for professional carpet cleaning, and $180 to professional clean bathroom and kitchen. I also found out from the cleaners that the refrigerator drawer cover was cracked and taped. They showed this to me before they clean the fridge. The total was $990 and his security deposit is $900.

Once everything was done and a new tenant moved in, I mailed my old tenant the deductions and included that he did not have to pay the $90 balance. I also mailed today the move-in/move-out inspection checklist. I believe I did everything right and can't understand why the tenant couldn't call/leave a voicemail and text as oppose to banging on my door (I live in a duplex and rent the other unit). What are your thoughts? Did I miss something?

[Steve Rozenberg]

We take 150-200 pictures of the property along with a full video prior to moving in. Upon move out we do the same exact pictures and video

When the tenant signs the lease we make the also sign a document of 2 page itemized deductions and fees of what will be deducted from their deposit for items that have to be fixed When they vacate.

When the tenant gives us notice they are moving we send them the link to the video letting them know that this is how they recieved the property and this is how we expect it back and also remind them of the deduction sheet they signed which will be applied.

It's amazing how setting the expectations in the beginning has caused much less problems on the back

I would be happy to share my deduction sheet for anyone that emails me.. It works well trust me