By Molly Kirkland

One of the top priorities most tenants have when they move out of an apartment is to get their full security deposit back. There are a few things you should understand if you want to maximize the amount you’ll receive.

When you moved in to your rental, you may have walked through the unit with your landlord to make note of existing damage or items in need of repair. You also may have also taken photos of the unit to document its condition. The “move-in checklist” and photos are useful tools in determining who is responsible for any damage that remains when you move out.

If you have taken good care of your apartment and kept your landlord informed about needed repairs over the term of your lease, there shouldn’t be any surprises when you move out. State law says your landlord is required to let you know that you have a right to request a “move out” inspection, a step recommended by the San Diego County Apartment Association.

If the move out inspection finds repairs are needed, discuss next steps with your landlord before doing work yourself; the landlord may want a professional to do the repairs.

Departing tenants are sometimes surprised at the cleaning fees that can be deducted from the deposit. When you return the keys to the landlord, the unit should be just as clean as it was when you moved in. Normal wear and tear, such as worn carpet or chipped paint, is acceptable, but you should make an effort to give your unit a thorough cleaning after you’ve moved your belongings.

There are a few areas that tenants often overlook. Be sure to clean:

• Inside the refrigerator, including drawers and shelves
• Under and around the refrigerator
• Under the oven. If your oven has a removable storage drawer at the bottom, take it out and clear out any crumbs or dirt that have accumulated.
• The stove top (including burners and drip pans if your stove is electric)
• Cabinets, drawers and shelves throughout the apartment
• Window blinds should be wiped down
• Scrub all hard floors, sinks and bathtubs

Your landlord may use your security deposit to pay for a professional cleaning service if more cleaning is needed after you move out. The deposit may also be used to pay for damages beyond normal wear and tear. If you owe anything to the landlord, such as unpaid rent or late payment fees, this can also be deducted from your deposit.

The law requires the landlord to return the balance of the deposit — less any deductions — within 21 calendar days of vacating the unit. If the landlord is returning less than the full amount of your original deposit, he or she must also include an accounting of how the deposit was spent. Check to make sure your landlord has your new forwarding address.

—Molly Kirkland is director of public affairs for the San Diego County Apartment Association.