| 1. |
Keep thorough records of all communications
with the landlord, whether for complaints about other
tenants (such as noise), maintenance problems with their
own apartment or in common areas or about payment issues. |
| 2. |
Keep copies of all receipts for rental payments. Paying
cash is not advisable. Pay with money orders, cashiers
checks or regular checks. This creates a paper trail.
If a tenant has to go to court over payment issues, having
documentation is extremely important. |
| 3. |
Where maintenance issues are involved, if the tenant
decides to withhold rent, they should again notify the
Landlord writing, explaining the problem(s) and indicate
that the money is being held in escrow. Verify the escrow
account for the landlord. |
| 4. |
Getting your security deposit back:
- The tenant should understand the lease requirements
for having their security deposit returned.
- Always provide the forwarding address to the Landlord
in writing.
- The tenant should attempt to do a final inspection/walk-through
with the landlord before they move out, in order to
know what problems the Landlord sees and what the
Landlord may say needs to be fixed. These repairs
directly affect how much of the security deposit a
tenant will get back.
- If necessary, take pictures of the apartment before
leaving so if there is a dispute about the condition/damage
to the apartment, the tenant has a record that could
be used in court.
- Be aware that certain states and municipalities
have laws that penalize landlords for wrongfully withholding
security deposits.
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