How do I make sure I get my security deposit back when I leave?

Question

Im renting out a room in a house and they want a security deposit. There is no lease to sign however. Is a verbal agreement enough?

Answer 1

No, get it in writing. Be sure to specifically write what you expect the room to look like when you leave. Will a paint job, or carpet cleaning require losing deposit? What exactly is the landlords expectations

Answer 2

YOU ARE SO SMART FOR POSTING THIS QUESTION BEFORE YOU MOVE!

This is what you need to do:

1. Tell the landlord you wish to be present on final walkthrough.

2. Bring a camera to take pictures. Take two of every room just in case one doesn't turn out.

3. Take a photo of any damages the landlord claims.

Now, here is the kicker...

4. ANY damages that the landlord claims is in the apartment, DO NOT leave the apartment unless he gives you a copy IN WRITING of what the damages are, and notates that is a FINAL list.

5. If he says everything "looks good" have a pre-prepared paper for him to sign stating so.

That will make it very, very difficult for him to come back later and claim something was damaged and he didn't "see it".

Answer 3

Your question is how do I make sure .... well maplewood's answer is very proper and you should in addition to the lease have a walk through sheet that gets attached to that lease indicating what existing condition there are so you won't get blamed for them when you leave.
Now then what can happen if you don't have a lease in writing? the one reason that no one ever thinks about because let's say they trust the landlord or he's a priest or something, is that they die. Now what.

Answer 4

You must have everything in writing to protect yourself. Make sure whatever you sign states what the landlord will expect before returning your deposit.