"Normal wear and tear" -- just what the heck IS it?

These last couple of blog posts about security deposits and deductions or forfeitures for "excessive cleaning" might have tenants just like you looking at their leases and trying to figure out just what exactly is "excessive dirtiness" and how it differs from "normal wear and tear."

Seek and ye shall find, by reading "What Is Normal Wear and Tear in an Apartment?"

The article cites a few standard definitions of normal wear and tear, and gives examples of normal wear and tear as opposed to actual damages such as excessive cleaning required upon move-out.

I think you'll find the article helpful. Another thing you can do is talk to your apartment manager a few weeks before moving out and invite him or her to do a walk-though of your apartment. The apartment manager should be able to pinpoint apartment areas that past tenants have commonly forgotten to clean, as well as areas of your apartment that need some extra TLC before you hand in the keys. He or she may also be able to alleviate some of your worries. For example: Yes, a closet bifold door that has come off track is usually considered normal wear and tear. So is a loose cabinet handle, or sun-faded blinds.

For more examples, click on the article linked above.



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Moving out soon? Make sure you clean the floors!

My last blog post led you to some pictures of apartments that departing tenants left stunningly (and some, disgustingly) dirty.

If you're soon moving out of your own apartment and you don't want to be one of "those people," here's a little cleaning advice: How to Clean Your Floors as You Move Out of an Apartment.

Can dirty floors cause you to lose some of your security deposit when you move out of an apartment? Can you prevent the forfeiture of security deposit funds for dirty floors?

Yes and yes!

Check it out.



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The inside dirt on security deposit cleaning deductions

What good is reading this blog, you might ask, if you never get any inside scoop?

Good question.

So to reward you for your patience and loyalty, take a look here for some inside "dirt" on security deposit deductions that tenants might incur if they leave apartments excessively dirty upon move-out.

Leaving Your Apartment This Dirty? Say Bye to Security Deposit Money is a slide show featuring never-before-seen (i.e. from my private collection) actual photos of some rather dirty conditions outgoing tenants left behind in apartments when they moved out.

Each photo is accompanied by an explanation of cleaning charges that were deducted from a tenant's security deposit or some tips to tackle those impossible-to-clean apartment areas and avoid incurring excessive cleaning charges yourself.

Enjoy! But be warned: A few of the photos are pretty gross.



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