UCLA Community Housing Office Moving On

Moving On

Your Security Deposit

Security deposits must be refunded to you within 21 days after you move out. Remember, in order to get your full security deposit back, it is your responsibility to leave the apartment in the same condition as when you moved in. The landlord may make deductions from your security deposit for unpaid rent, damages, and cleaning that is required.

Avoiding deductions. If there is any damage, consider repairing it yourself. Nail holes and thumb tacks in the wall are "damages" which may require spackling and painting. Also, plan to clean up very thoroughly before you move out. Use the following list as a guide.
WHAT IS CLEAN? The following is a short checklist of tasks you may need to complete in order to get your security deposit back:

	The Bathroom: Scrub bathtub and shower including shower curtain and tile; scrub inside and outside of toilet; scrub sink, medicine cabinet and mirror.
	The Kitchen: Clean out cupboards, drawers, counter tops and scrub sink; disinfect and defrost refrigerator; clean stove, oven, and broiler; Scrub the floor.
	Other Rooms: Vacuum carpeting thoroughly and remove spots; clean and wax hardwood floors; remove fingerprints and other marks from woodwork and walls; take down all pictures or posters and remove all nails and tacks from walls; spackle all holes in walls; vacuum furniture and empty all drawers.

Of course, if the place was a mess when you moved in, this is not required. But you better have pictures to prove it or the landlord can withhold your security deposit for any of the above problems.

GOING TO COURT TO RETRIEVE YOUR DEPOSIT. In case you have to go to court, be prepared to prove in what condition you left the apartment. Get a signed Inventory Checklist or note from the landlord, or photos, or ask friends to witness the condition of the unit. If the apartment was damaged or not clean when you moved in, of course you will not have to work so hard, but the burden is on you to prove that those problems were there before you moved in. If this is the case, as soon as you move in be sure and get a signed statement from the landlord acknowledging the problem, or take photos, or bring friends by to witness. If you have any questions regarding the return of your deposit, call the Community Housing Office.