As students finish up their finals and prepare to move out of apartments for the summer, local realtors and students said there are several things to keep in mind to maximize the amount returned on a renter's security deposit.
Getting Started
"Pay attention to details and plan ahead," said Rob Venema, a manager at Nevins Real Estate.
The move-out process should
start when the student moves in, he
said.
At the end of a lease period, everyone wants his or her security deposit back, but unfortunately it's easy to have an apartment deemed unclean.
"My pet peeve is hair. Something may look clean, but if there's hair, it needs to be cleaned again," said Kristen Holzworth, property manager at Associated Realty Property Management.
Most apartments have a checklist or pamphlet available on what landlords expect of a vacated apartment. Usually, that includes cleaning all areas of an apartment and a receipt from a professional carpet cleaner.
Another option is to schedule an inspection from the realtor upon
leaving.
Loretta Doss, assistant director of off-campus living at Penn State, said an important factor of moving out is "clear and precise communication as to what needs to be done."
Venema said there's another thing some students overlook in regard to apartment maintenance.
"When you move in, fill out the move in unit condition form. A lot of kids don't do that," Venema said.
A move in unit condition form details the condition of the apartment -- including any damages -- when renters move in, Venema said.
Cleaning Tips
Holzworth advises removing all personal items, debris, items in the cupboard, vanities and coat hangers in the closet.
Some common things people forget when they leave is to change burnt-out light bulbs or dead batteries in smoke alarms, she said.
The whole apartment has to be cleaned, said Brenda Alleman, Merry Maids manager at the cleaning service's State College location, 454 Rolling Ridge Drive. She said there can't be anything in the fridge, leftovers in the oven or food spots on cupboards.
"The bathrooms need to be practically new -- no soap scum in the shower, the sink and toilet are clean, and the floor is clean," she added.
For the common area, she suggests windows, furniture and baseboards be dusted. Cushions should be vacuumed and seat cushions should be lifted up to thoroughly clean.
"Sweep everything," she said.
Students can also opt to hire a cleaning service.
Merry Maids charges $75 per hour, Alleman said. Stanley Steemer charges $159 to have a living room, dining room, bedroom and one hallway cleaned, said customer sales associate Taryn Traxler.
You Up and Left
Students who don't clean their apartments before moving out are "going to be charged an arm and a leg," Venema said. "Cleaners charge a premium for that time of year."
Also, leaving large belongings behind will usually result in a charge to have them removed, said Joy Muzikar, property assistant at Parkway Plaza.
Not all students know their apartments' guidelines, Doss said.
"What you think of as wear and tear could be damage," she said.
