Get More Of Your Deposit Back

Back in the late 90s I worked for a janitorial company doing apartment turnovers. I learned some tricks to maximize the money that you get back from your apartment.

Start by getting your belongings out, they are dirtier than you think.

Next remove hardware from your walls. DO NOT remove nails with a hammer! I know that it seems easy, but you can do a lot of damage to your walls that way.

Small nails - Place needle nose pliers perpendicular to the nail. Hold the grips in one hand pliers head in the other. Pull toward your body with firm even pressure.

Large Nails - Use nail pliers or use a power drill with adjustable chuck. Set your drill to reverse and to the slowest speed. Adjust the drill chuck down on the nail head until it is tight. Gently pull back as the drill rotates the nail.

If you have to use a hammer claw put a putty knife, thin board, or thin hardbound book under the claw -- this will guide the nail and protect your wall.

No that you have everything out it is time to clean.

1. Vacuum first: vacuums put out a lot of dust. No matter how well you clean your apartment will look dirty if it is dusty.
2. Start at the top: work your way down from the ceiling, this way you clean up everything that falls.
   • Ceiling Corners
   • Tops of Doors
   • Cabinets
   • Window Sills
   • Floors
3. Move your appliances: Most people forget to clean behind the fridge and stove. This alone save the cleaning crew a lot of time, less time they spend the less you are charged.
4. Clean out your appliances: Clean the inside of your fridge and stove. It doesn't take a long time but it makes a big difference when your apartment is assessed for cleanliness.
5. Clean walls and doors: There are a lot of hand-prints on door seems and the walls next to doors.
6. Clean your light switches.
7. Clean your glass (windows and mirrors)
8. If you have to vacuum a second time remember to dust.

Now that you are done I suggest a couple of out of the box things to improve your return.

Your landlord ultimately gets to make the decision about your deposit, a note thanking them for their time and work can help grease the gears. Also ask them what you can do to make the turnover quick and easy, they will appreciate the gesture and take your efforts more seriously.