As a Snellville renter, it helps to plan ahead so you can get your security deposit back. You must have adequate property maintenance. Interior property repairs are among the top reasons landlords withhold security deposit funds in the first place. It is to your advantage to minimize the potential repairs that have to be done when you move out. Here are several habits to adapt to as a renter to ensure that the property you leave will be in good condition, allowing you to have your security deposit refunded in full.
Hang Smart, Not Hard!
Decorating a rental home needs planning and preparation ahead of time. Permanent damage to the property, including holes in the walls, will mean costly repairs that you will be responsible for when you move out. Instead of nails or screws, use non-marking, removable fasteners, such as command hooks, to hang up your decor. There are available hooks that can hold varying weights and sizes and can be removed without damaging your Snellville rental home wall.
Save The Floors!
Coasters or pads underneath table legs, couches, and other heavy items are a must-have for protecting your floors while moving furniture around. Floor damage is very common and costs a lot to repair. By planning and having the appropriate supplies on hand, you can easily avoid gouging or scraping floors or tearing carpets when you are moving furniture around. If you have pets, be sure to keep their nails short to prevent scratches on your hardwood floors.
Clean, Clean, Clean!
It is also crucial to regularly deep clean and tidy your home if you want your security deposit back. 
It is important to have a cleaning regimen if you are going to be staying longer in a home. Regular surface cleaning can get rid of most of the grime in the short term, but regular deep cleanings are needed if you will be staying in your rental home for more than a few months. Deep cleaning should include scrubbing grout, wiping down kitchen cabinets and ceiling fans, cleaning appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher), and performing basic maintenance on appliances. Also, remember to clear hair from drains, change light bulbs, dust blinds, and ceiling fans. By regularly tidying and cleaning your Snellville rental home, you save the hassle and stress of having to deep clean the entire home when you move out.
Also, it is crucial to remove all of your personal belongings before move out as well. Just because you don’t want that old dresser anymore does not mean that you should leave it in the property. Most Property Management companies and Landlords have a charge associated with the hassle it takes to remove old furniture.
Protect!
If you live with kids or pets in your rental home, it is important to minimize any damage they could potentially cause. Having children and pets will mean you have to take extra precautions to take care of your home’s painted walls and other surfaces. It will help if you place furniture and other big items against the walls to protect them from stains, scrapes, and scratches. Colorful rugs serve dual purposes as a soft place for your little ones and as a way to protect your floors. It is also helpful to designate certain areas exclusively for pets or playtime so that any damage or spills to walls or floors will be contained in one or more areas. You should also have quality cleaning materials on hand, such as magic erasers, to remove scuffs and young artist wall scribbles.
Landlords & Maintenance
Always alert your landlord if something goes wrong, or if you need to schedule a maintenance visit. 
If your landlord knows about these maintenance issues early on, they can address them immediately and efficiently. Letting issues grow and progress only hurt you as a renter in the long run. Regular maintenance and minor repairs can prevent major -and expensive- repairs later on. It is also to your benefit to take advantage of maintenance visits, as it is a landlord’s responsibility to make sure the property is running and working as it should. As soon as you move out, the repairs and maintenance are your responsibility and could put your security deposit at risk. Reporting maintenance issues helps ensure that you will receive your entire security deposit back.
Losing your security deposit is avoidable if you take proper care of your home and stay up to date with cleaning and maintenance. Make sure you protect the walls and floors where there is heavy activity, use command strips, and hooks on walls, and be sure to clean regularly! By doing these simple tasks routinely, your home will stay spick and span and your security deposit will be back in your pocket!
If you are looking to move into Gwinnett County, contact us today and we will help you find the perfect rental home! If you own a home and would like to rent it out in Gwinnett County, reach out to us and we will be glad to assist you in the process!
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