Quick DIY fixes to save your security deposit

Unless you absolutely shredded your carpet or completely stained your counter tops bright red, there is no reason you should lose out on having your security deposit returned after move out.  There are plenty of ways that even the least handy renter can do to restore (or make it look like) their old apartment prior to move out day.  Here are a few cheap and simple tricks to have your place looking as good as it did before you called it home.

Walls –

• Big Holes – Whether you flung the front door open a little too aggressively or you threw the Xbox remote against the wall in frustration, you can pick up an inexpensive self-adhesive drywall repair kit to patch those holes.  There are no tools required, but grab a $5 bottle of spray wall texture, and a bit of touchup paint and your landlord will never know the difference.
• Small Holes – Some landlords will look for any reason to pocket your security deposit.  Fill nail or picture hanger holes with a little toothpaste (the white kind of course).  Put a bit on your finger and swipe it across the blemish. Let it dry a day or so and do the same procedure with some touchup paint if the walls aren’t conveniently white.

Countertops – Repair scuffed, cracked or dinged countertops with a bit of kindergarten magic. The most important part is to find a crayon as similar in color to the color and shade of your counter tops. Yes, a crayon.  Strip that baby down and place it in a microwave-safe bowl that you’re willing to sacrifice for the cause. Nuke the crayon for just a few seconds so it’s a putty-like consistency and work the waxy mess into the countertop flaw with a butter knife. Finish the project by scraping the excess crayon with a flat, sharp object to bring the “filler” flush with the countertop. Done!

Carpet –

• Red Wine – This old wives tale is actually completely true, I tried it! If red wine is spilled on even the starkest white of carpets, reach for the white wine.  No, not for a drink to drown your sorrows, it’s to clean the carpet. Dab (don’t ever scrub) the red wine spot with a dry cloth and make another mess by pouring the white wine in the exact spot as the red wine stain. Dab it again with another dry cloth and watch magic happen. It may be repeated if necessary.
• General Stains & Dirt – The cost and torture of renting a steam cleaner often outweighs the return on your security deposit.  Prep by mixing a bucket of water and ammonia (2 tablespoons for every 2 cups of water), a handful of dry towels, and your iron.  Dab the area with the water mixture and aggressively and slowly iron a towel soaked in the water and ammonia mixture right into the carpet.  You’ll see plenty of steam and the dirty water will transfer itself right into the towel.  Hold the iron for 30 to 60 seconds on each spot, and then move to the next.  Repeat if necessary. Waaa-la!

The extra time spent on clean-out day will be well worth it when you are able to use the extra money to cushion the expenses of moving or something else far more exciting.  Remember, it is Arizona law that your landlord must return your security deposit or explain the reason for a lack of one in 14 days or less from your official lease termination date.  Don’t let those extra bucks slide by!