If you rent an apartment or a home, you may enjoy the lower cost of living that typically accompanies doing this. However, you will need to put down a security deposit to ensure you can reserve the property where you wish to live. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for landlords to refuse to return this deposit in certain situations. Knowing specific ways to get your security deposit back can assist you in doing so.

Plan in Advance

In order to get the full amount of your security deposit back, you should plan ahead. Doing so could mean the difference between getting your money back or not. Listed below are some ways for you to plan ahead:

1. Provide your landlord with notice that you are leaving the property within the required amount of time.

2. Ask to be present when the landlord is doing the final inspection of the property before you leave.

3.  If you need to leave without providing ample notice, consider having another person lined up to rent the property. This might not guarantee that you'll get your full deposit back, but it could help you get back a certain amount. 

Make a Checklist

It's important to do all the things that your landlord wants you to complete before you leave the rental unit. Here are some typical tasks you should complete before moving out:

1. Hire a professional cleaning company to thoroughly clean the property.

2. If you're renting a home, ensure the lawn has been mowed and is in good condition.

3. Complete a thorough inspection of the rental to ensure there hasn't been any damage done. If this unit is furnished, you will want to check all of the furnishings in it for damage as well.

Send a Letter

Your landlord should promptly return your security deposit if you have completed all of the necessary tasks and given proper notice. However, if you don't reserve your security deposit within a few days, it's ideal to send the landlord a letter demanding your security deposit be returned. Additionally, you should include the amount of time you will give your landlord to return the deposit before you take legal action. 

You deserve to receive money that is rightfully yours when it comes to renting any type of property. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, be sure to contact a lawyer to assist you with getting your money returned. If you're interested in finding out more, visit websites like http://www.scottandscottlaw.com.