Checklist to get a rental deposit back

Deposits are supposed to protect the landlord against loss of rent if the tenant does a moonlight run and to repair any damage a tenant does to the property.

On the other hand, if you’re a tenant who has always paid the rent on time and kept the property clean and in good condition, you should be able to count on getting your deposit back at the end of the lease.

And you shouldn’t be penalised for any damage done by a previous tenant.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. It’s important for both parties to pay more attention to the property’s condition and the terms of the agreement before the lease is signed. As a start, a detailed list of existing damage and defects should be drawn up. A photographic record is even better. Areas for particularly close attention should include:

Door locks: do they turn easily, have they been replaced since the last tenant left and are the keys there?

Walls: are they marked, scratched or cracked? Is the paintwork good?

Ceilings: are there any signs of a leaking roof or geyser?

Plumbing: are taps or pipes leaking and are the drains clear?

Wall and floor tiles: are they all firmly in place and undamaged?

Carpets: are they torn, frayed, burned or stained?

Windows: do they close properly? Are there any broken or cracked panes?

If all these details are carefully noted and the list then signed by the tenant and the landlord (or his agent) and attached to the lease, there should be little cause for misunderstandings on this issue later.

Second, tenants must read their leases carefully so they know how much notice to give before they leave and how far in advance. They should also get written acknowledgement from their landlord that their notice was received, and set up an appointment for an exit inspection.

Next, they should spend some time ensuring the property looks the way it did when they took occupation – or better.

Remember, the landlord can’t keep any of your deposit to repair general wear and tear, especially if you’ve been a tenant for a long time. But he can use it – or at least part of it – to cover the replacement or repair of anything you damaged during your tenancy.

It’s vital to take notes and photos when you move out. Take pictures of all the surfaces in every room, and if possible video everything like lights and taps in working order, date stamp them and then deliver them to your landlord or his agent with a forwarding address and your bank details for repayment of the deposit.

Tobie Fourie is Chas Everitt national rentals manager