The process of moving out of an apartment?

Question

My lease will be up on July 1st, and this week I'm mailing off my 30 day notice. I've lived here almost four years, and I guess the concern I have is getting all of my security deposit back. I'm aware everything needs to be cleaned. And since I've only lived here by myself, there is literally no damage to the place other than tiny holes in the wall from pictures I have hanging on the walls. The only concern I would have is the carpet.  It does have almost 4 years of normal wear and tear, I also have a faint red spot on the carpet from a red rug that I had on the floor, and the color bled through to the carpet. Could this be held against me? Any info about the moving out process would help. If it matters, I'm in California (Bay Area).

BrokerPro · Accepted Answer

For answers to CA tenant law questions check out this publication from state website:

http://www.consumer.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/index.shtml

It covers the deposit laws and what is normal wear & tear...
Under California law, 21 calendar days or less after you move, your landlord must either:

Send you a full refund of your security deposit, or
Mail or personally deliver to you an itemized statement that lists the amounts of any deductions from your security deposit and the reasons for the deductions, together with a refund of any amounts not deducted

Anonymous · Answer

Out of all the apartments I've had I have NEVER received a deposit back. They find one thing or another to charge you for. The messed up part is they will tell you it is because of the carpet and they will keep it but not actually fix the carpet. Technically the carpet and nail holes are common wear and tear and not good enough reason to keep it, but mark my words, they will. Also in the event that you might receive it back. They have 3 months to actually return it to you once you leave, so forget thinking that you can use it to put a new deposit on a new place. Good Luck tho- I hope your land lord is cool enough to give it back.

It&#39;s good to be Queen · Answer

Your copy of your lease should list the condition of the apartment when you moved in, and what items must be cleaned when you move out.  If it doesn't, ask the apartment manager for a checklist, and follow it to the letter.  Requirements vary from complex to complex depending on the management.

Tim D · Answer

a truck, some beer  a pizza and a few friends

if they give you trouble with the security deposit you just come back with a few more friends, big friends, really big friends.

Turd_In_The_Pool · Answer

go on judge judy

The process of moving out of an apartment?

5 Answers