Leave It Better Than You Found It
The deposit isn't "free" money the landlord keeps — it's refundable if you leave the apartment in the condition you got it (minus normal wear). Here's the checklist that gets it back.
Patch the Walls
Every nail and screw hole gets a dab of spackle, sanded smooth, and painted to match. A tube of spackle and a small roller is a $15 fix for a $200 deduction. For larger holes, use a mesh patch and joint compound.
Repaint to the Original Color
If you painted, repaint to the landlord's original color (usually off-white). Ask the landlord for the paint name before you start — many will give you the exact can.
Steam-Clean the Carpets
A $40 rental steam cleaner from the hardware store returns a carpet that "looked fine" to one that looks new. Stains you couldn't remove are the landlord's favorite deduction.
Clean the Oven and Fridge
The two appliances that get deducted most often. Run the oven's self-clean cycle, wipe out the fridge, and clean behind both. A clean oven and fridge signal a clean apartment.
Fill the Holes in the Wood
Hardwood scratches and nail holes in trim get deducted. A wood filler stick in a matching shade hides most nail holes; a scratch-cover polish hides floor scuffs.
Replace Burned-Out Bulbs
Every light fixture should have a working bulb when you leave. A landlord who has to replace 6 bulbs charges you for the bulbs and the labor.
Take Photos of the Empty Apartment
Photograph every room, every wall, and every fixture after you've cleaned and before you hand over the keys. Dated photos are your defense against a bogus damage claim.
The Final Walkthrough
Ask the landlord or super to walk through with you on the last day. Agree on any deductions in person and get the agreement in writing — a verbal "looks fine" is worthless if a deduction shows up later.
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