Tips to Get Your Security Deposit Back

When renting a property, you’ll be charged a security deposit at the start of your tenancy. Wondering how to get it back? Our guide includes advice to help ensure you leave the property as it was when you moved in, from filling holes in walls to painting and deep cleaning.

Can you get your deposit back?

Providing you leave the property in good condition, you should be entitled to partial or full reimbursement of your security deposit when your tenancy ends. Landlords and letting agencies will consider various factors when deciding how much of the deposit should be returned, as some money may be needed to cover repair costs. This includes the overall cleanliness, nail holes in walls, and damage to flooring and furniture.

End of tenancy checklist for renters

Use this checklist as a guide when it’s time to move out to ensure you’ve covered everything, and you’ll be more likely to regain your security deposit.

Signs of mould or damp

Check for signs of mould or damp, especially in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Ventilating rooms well will help prevent mould, but if it’s already started to appear, there are plenty of ways to remove it. If you spot areas of mould on the walls or ceilings, use Dulux Trade Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash to clean masonry or wood.

Significant stains or marks

Minor wear and tear on paintwork is inevitable, especially on skirting boards and walls in high-traffic areas. However, significant staining on furniture or carpets could impact your landlord’s decision about your deposit since they might need to replace these elements.

Nail holes in walls

Nail holes in walls are another sign landlords will look out for. Thankfully, it’s easy to fill in holes yourself, and this quick DIY job could be the difference between getting your deposit back or not. 

How to fill holes in walls

It’s easy to fill in cracks or holes yourself before you leave a property, which may help secure your deposit. Follow these simple steps to learn how.

1. Use wall filler to seal the hole

Our range of wall fillers are durable, quick drying and easy to apply. The handy applicator is designed for neat and accurate filling in various hole sizes and depths. We also offer wood fillers for repairing nail holes in doors.

2. Sand the area

Once the filler has dried, sand the area to achieve a smooth finish. Sand the filler using fine-grade sandpaper or these Mirka Goldflex Abrasive Pads for best results on interior walls.

3. Paint in the existing shade

If you have the existing paint shade or know the colour, paint over the filled-in holes to achieve a discreet appearance and leave the walls in perfect condition. With so many shades and finishes at Dulux Decorator Centre, it’s easy to find the perfect colour match. If not, you can leave this step out and notify your landlord. Sometimes, they may want to repaint themselves after you move out.

How to clean a rental property

Alongside making any necessary repairs, give your property a deep clean before moving out to avoid having your deposit taken. Follow these steps to get your place looking spick and span.

1. Deep clean the kitchen and bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the worst culprits for dirt and grime, so cleaning every part of them well before moving out is vital. This includes appliances like ovens, microwaves, fridges and toasters. Mould can be an issue in bathrooms, so use a specialist mould remover like the Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover to get shower enclosures, baths, tiles and sinks looking like new.

2. Clean carpets and upholstery

Carpets and upholstered furniture are prone to spillages and staining, so give them a deep clean before you move out. You can use fabric-safe household cleaning products or hire a specialist carpet and upholstery cleaner to steam clean your carpets.

3. Dust and polish

Dust all light fittings, skirting boards, picture rails and built-in shelving, and polish any hardware like door knobs, switches and sockets to get them looking their best. The landlord’s furniture, including drawers, wardrobes, and bed frames, should be wiped down inside and outside.

4. Vacuum

Finally, vacuum all areas to remove any excess dust and dirt. Use the crevice tool on your hoover to reach tricky areas around skirting boards, door frames and staircases.

Moving into a rental property? Always seek permission from your landlord before painting or redecorating to ensure you get your security deposit back. Check out these related articles on our blog for more handy tips and advice:

How to brighten up your home on a budget

Painting over wallpaper