We all always talk about the rights of tenants but one
should also think about how the land lord will protect his property and his
rights as well. Security deposits are one of the main insurances for the land
lord that his property enough protected while the tenants use it. Even though
the security deposit does not provide enough protection but it is still a major
part of the agreement. The security deposit only protects the property against
minor tenant caused damages to the property.
Things Security Deposit
Cannot Cover
Any major damage caused to the property cannot be
covered by the security deposit. For example, it may cover the repair of one of
the major electric appliance ruined by the tenants but what if almost all the
appliances run out of function. Along with this the security deposit cannot
cover the unpaid rent. It is not allowed in most of the states but even if the
states allow only a few months’ rents can be covered by the security deposit.
There is a fine line between normal “wear and tear” and tenant damage.
Generally, it is the land lord who decides if it is a tenant caused damage or
the part of the property was naturally damaged but in some cases the tenants
might come with strong arguments and win.
Tenant
Proof Your Property
It is better to tenant proof the property rather than
regretting in the long run. One should adopt long lasting measures that do not
need early replacement or repair. For example, the carpets should be replaced
with bamboo or faux wood flooring while the walls are painted glossy that is
easier to clean and the land lord do not have to paint the walls again and
again.
Applicants
Who Argue About Making Deposit
Most of the times the tenants would argue on
depositing some of the security deposit and asking time for the rest of it. In
the meantime, the leased is signed and they don’t care about the rest of the
deposit. While selecting a tenant out of all the applicants one should go for
stable renters, the ones who intend to pay the rent on time as well as the
security deposit and don’t live hand to mouth.
Tenants
Screening
No land lord wants his property damaged more than he
can recover from the security deposit. To avoid such a situation, the landlord
should inspect the short listed applicant`s current home. The situation of the
tenant’s current home can help the land lord a lot in selecting an applicant as
the tenant. It’s easy to figure out which of the applicant is clean and
organised enough to be selected as tenant.
Set
Some Rules
The land lord has the right to set some rules to
classify the “normal wear and tear” and tenant caused damage. It should be made
clear to the tenants about the penalty of causing damage to the property that
is due to the misuse. If all of this is made clear In advance and such clauses
are added in the lease the tenants will be vigilant enough to take care of the
property.
Don’t
Classify the Types of Deposit
If the types of deposit are classified, the tenants
may come up with arguments that support that the deductions should not be made
from certain deposits. It is recommended to charge only one security deposit
and specify it in the lease that it can be used to cover any type of damage,
clean-up and unpaid bills etc.
The landlord should inspect the property regularly so
that he may find out any damage done to the property in time.
