A security deposit is usually collected at the beginning of the landlord-tenant relationship. It’s usually one or two months rent and is refundable. While it is not legally required, landlords and property managers should consider this to be a prerequisite of renting a home to a tenant. It is not only beneficial for the landlord as it guarantees to cover any damages or unpaid rent; as for the tenant, if there are no outstanding dues or any repairs required, they can get a full refund.
However, in some cases, this security deposit is not enough to cover the losses for the landlord. This can happen if the tenant leaves without paying rent for more than a month. Sometimes, the damages to the property are extensive and outweigh the security deposit. [Read about how often to inspect the property and what to look for.] This can be a challenging situation for the landlord. Still, there are a few things that can be considered to recover the damages.
At the time of moving out, present the itemized deduction form that has all the details of the withheld security deposit. Our checklist makes it easy to capture the itemized estimates. It is better to have the cleaning fees separated from the damage cost. A written list detailing the cost of each repair would help you if and when the tenant takes this to court. You have to formally inform the tenant through a letter that the security deposit is being withheld. The state laws clearly notify the time period and the procedure. For example, California gives 21 days to give the actual or estimated repair costs to the tenant.
If the tenant owes you more than a months’ rent or the cost of the damages is not covered by the security deposit amount, then you need to send a demand letter.
The demand letter should clearly state the due amount, repair costs for damages, and the cleaning fees. Also, state the amount that is due after deductions of the security deposit. Your tenant should have a clear understanding of what they owe and why you are withholding the security deposit amount. Include all the details in the letter and also give a deadline for the payment of the due amount. Here’s a template for the letter.
From: Landlord/ Property manager name, address
To: Tenant address
Content:
Dear Tenant,
I am writing to you about the security deposit and the expenses to repair the property. Here is the break down of the (estimated) costs to repair the property for the damages you caused.
Itemized list
The security deposit of $X is applied to these damages. The remaining damages cost $Y. Please send me a check for $Y to my address by date.
Sincerely,
Sign & date
If the tenant does not respond positively to the verbal communication and later to the demand letter - then, consider taking this case to the small claims court. However, there are a few essential things to keep in mind before you go for any such legal proceedings.
As much as a lawsuit may help you with the recovery of your amount, it takes a considerable amount of time and effort, nonetheless. You have to pay the filing fees in order to file a case. Preparing for the case and getting together all the evidence and all the related paperwork is a tedious task. Another thing is that you have to attend the proceedings of your case where your property is located. If you live far from the property, this may be a challenge. Thorough know-how of the procedures will also be beneficial during this process:
Here are a few steps to keep in mind to avoid any such situation in the first place.
Proper screening of the tenants is helpful in many ways, though it doesn’t guarantee 100% safety. This should include a background check of their rental history and proof of employment or source of income. You should also check the credit score and ask for reliable references.
Read more about tenant screening
In case your state laws allow, you can even collect a security deposit that is more than a month’s rent. This shall allow you to cover any losses at the time of moving out. The tenants can still walk away with a full refund if they have been abiding by the lease contract.
Always mention regular inspection visits of the property in your lease document. Give prior notice (as per law) to maintain their privacy and make quick, vigilant visits to avoid any mishaps. You can have a handy checklist to go through and follow any hints like any visible wall damage, foul smells, or appliance damage.
How often should you inspect the property
What to look for in property inspection
Some states require the landlord to conduct a pre-move out inspection if the tenant asks for it when they give the notice. This allows you to have a word with your tenant about any damages you have noticed and see if they would like to make the repairs themselves to claim the full security deposit. Be careful and clear about what damages you want the tenant to address and how. For example, the tenant may not do a good job filling a large hole in the wall.
At the time of the move-out, we recommend that you do a walk-through with the tenants after they have removed their belongings. When the house is empty, you can notice things more clearly. Take photos during the walk-through and write down estimated itemized repair costs in the checklist. This helps you to have clear documents on the property before and after the tenants rented the place. We highly recommend that you use a move-in and move-out checklist to document the condition of the property. HomeKasa makes this easy with a free online tool. This clearly shows the condition of the property at move-in and the damages caused by the tenant.
By following the right screening process, you can reduce your chances of getting a bad tenant. That said, some tenants know how to game the system and still make it to your house. Others change their behavior for various reasons after they move in. In any case, conducting proper inspections, documenting your interactions, and taking quick actions can help to reduce your losses.