Security Deposit Disposition,

Question 1

What are common disputes about the security deposit centered on?

Answer 1

Deductions for cleaning and repairing the residence

Charges may be assessed for any cleaning or repairs necessary to make the residence available to rent.

Question 2

What should not be deducted from the security deposit?

Answer 2

Cost of ordinary wear and tear

This includes conditions present at move in.

Question 3

Name some reasonable deductions that can be made from a security deposit.

Answer 3

• Replacing stained or ripped carpets
• Damaged flooring
• Fixing damaged furniture
• Cleaning excessively dirty kitchens and appliances
• Cleaning bathrooms
• Eliminating flea infestations

The question comes down to what is wear and tear versus what the resident’s responsibility is.

Question 4

What should you not charge for if the resident paid a nonrefundable cleaning fee?

Answer 4

Cleaning

This applies when the resident moved in.

Question 5

What is a guideline for determining reasonable wear and tear?

Answer 5

Consider the length of the resident’s occupancy

This helps in assessing the condition of the residence.

Question 6

What should all charges deducted from the security deposit have?

Answer 6

Proper documentation

This includes photos and repair receipts.

Question 7

What should be followed if a resident lived in the residence for less than a year and the walls were freshly painted?

Answer 7

Company policy for charges

This applies to painting, flooring, and fixtures.

Question 8

If the flooring was new when the resident moved in but becomes stained or damaged within months, what may the resident be charged for?

Answer 8

Replacement or repair

This indicates more than normal wear and tear.

Question 9

What should be followed regarding the condition of flooring if it was already worn or damaged at move in?

Answer 9

Policy on normal wear and tear

This helps determine if charges are applicable.

Question 10

What do lease and rental agreements usually state about changes to the residence?

Answer 10

The resident is not allowed to make any changes without management’s consent

Examples include closet organizers, bookshelves, or installed light fixtures.