Tag Page RentHacks

#RentHacks
charles88

how to protect your deposit before moving out

That blue wall story wasn’t unique. Many tenants lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars when they move out — sometimes over the smallest details. Here are a few things people told me they wish they had done differently: Document everything 📸 Take photos of every room before you move in and before you move out. Walls, carpets, appliances, even the inside of the oven. Ask in writing 📝 If you want to paint, hang shelves, or make changes, always get permission by email or text. Verbal approval won’t save you later. Do your own cleaning 🧽 Hire a professional cleaner or at least deep-clean yourself. A receipt for cleaning service makes it harder for landlords to charge “extra cleaning.” Don’t ignore small repairs 🔧 Fix nail holes, replace burnt-out bulbs, patch scuffs. It costs little now, but landlords often exaggerate charges for these things. Know your state laws ⚖️ Some states limit how much landlords can deduct, and some require them to provide receipts. Knowing the rules makes it easier to fight back. Losing $1500 over a wall is frustrating. But with preparation, you don’t have to give landlords an easy excuse. #House #TenantRights #RentHacks #HousingCost

how to protect your deposit before moving out
charles88

the court update on the blue wall case

Remember the tenant who lost her $1500 deposit over a single blue wall? Someone just sent me an update. In small claims court, the landlord brought receipts showing a painting company estimate for $1800 to “restore the wall to original condition.” He argued that since the tenant violated the lease by altering the property, he had the right to keep the full deposit. The tenant showed photos of the wall — smooth, professional-looking, no damage. She argued the repaint could be done for under $200, and that the landlord was inflating costs to pocket the difference. The judge’s reaction surprised both sides. He ruled the landlord could deduct reasonable painting costs, but not the entire deposit. The landlord was ordered to return $1200 to the tenant, keeping $300 for repainting. Now, both sides are angry. The landlord says he lost money because the estimate was real. The tenant says she still lost $300 for a wall that wasn’t even damaged. Fair ruling or not? #House #TenantRights #Landlord #RentHacks

the court update on the blue wall case
charles88

the $1500 deposit and the blue wall

Someone sent me this story about a rental dispute. A tenant moved out after two years. She had always paid rent on time and kept the place clean. When she left, the apartment was spotless — carpets cleaned, fridge emptied, not a single stain anywhere. Except for one thing. She had painted one bedroom wall blue. Just one wall, and she painted it neatly. No mess, no drips, no damage. The landlord said the lease required “no alterations without written permission.” He kept the entire $1500 deposit, claiming repainting would cost more than that. The tenant argued that paint is cosmetic, and the wall looked even better than before. She said withholding the full deposit was theft. Now the fight is in small claims court. Who’s in the wrong here? #House #Landlord #TenantRights #RentHacks

the $1500 deposit and the blue wall
You've reached the end!
Tag: RentHacks | zests.ai