List and describe several strategies you can employ when ending a lease on your home to ensure you and the landlord leave on friendly terms and that you receive all of your damage deposit.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1. Leave the Unit Clean and in Good Condition - Vacuum, wipe the floors, clean the refrigerator and the oven, and scrub the bathrooms. You want your full security deposit back.
2. Schedule a Walk-Through - It is very important to do a walk-through with the landlord before you turn in the keys. This time it is up to the landlord to make sure everything still works and the apartment is in good condition. Have the landlord indicate in writing that you lack further responsibility.
3. Don't Pay for Existing Damage - If any damage is found and it was there when you moved in, point that out in the lease or the addendum that you signed or show the video you took when you first moved in.
4. Record the Apartment on Video - Just as you did when you moved in, it is a good idea to take a video of the apartment when you move out.
5. Give a Forwarding Address - Although your mail should automatically be forwarded, any packages that arrive from UPS or FedEx will not. Perhaps most important, your landlord will need your address to mail your security deposit refund to you.