Conditions of Refund of Security Deposit
Security deposit refunds will be made in accordance with the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Acts and provided the following conditions are met (excerpted from your Rental Agreement):
- Upon meeting the requirements of this Residential Rental Agreement
- Upon adherence to the "Rules and Regulations"
- Upon proper cleaning of the entire residence
- Carpet must be professionally steam-cleaned (must provide receipt)
- Lock all doors and windows
- Return all keys to FCFW (see additional information below)
- Leave a forwarding address
This list provides estimates of the typical cost of property damage, replacement, and repair. You can avoid these fees by taking actions to receive all your deposit back. Actual charges may vary.
Electric Utility
You are responsible for contracting for electric service from the beginning of the Lease Term through the last day of the month (July 31) of the Lease Term. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees before you leave. Do not turn the HVAC system off since this can result in excess humidity and adverse results. During the summer months it is very important that the HVAC system is operable through the end of July. This means that the electric service must remain on. We will arrange for the incoming tenants to transfer responsibility for the electric utility. Cancel any other services (e.g. Internet, television, telephone).
Returning All Keys
The best way to return your keys is to leave them on the kitchen counter in an envelope listing the keys enclosed. You can then lock the door knob and pull the door shut. If you choose to mail the keys, review the regulations of the carrier that you use. It is your responsibility to return the keys in the condition you received them. "Putting them in the mail" is not sufficient. We have received keys through the mail that arrive like the following picture depicts. We have also received an empty envelope that looks similar to this picture.
An inexpensive method for using the low rates of the USPS first class mail service (that works most of the time) is to attach each key to a piece of plastic. You can improve your success rate by taking the envelope to the post office and have them ensure the proper postage amount and possibly mark the envelope as 'Non Machinable'.
Cleaning Checklist
The following items will be checked at the time of the inspection. Please be sure that you have checked each item carefully. If everything is complete, no cleaning fee should be deducted from your deposit. Make sure to clean the following:
- Floors – swept and mopped clean; door thresholds should be cleaned of accumulations of dirt
- Carpets – for everyone's convenience, a professional carpet cleaner is scheduled at the end of each lease period to clean the carpets at a reduced group rate (can be paid from your security deposit)
- Ceilings, walls, corners, baseboards, door casings, and heat registers – remove spider webs; large smudges, crayon marks, food stains and oil or grease or the like are NOT considered normal wear and tear; ceilings should be brushed lightly with a feather duster (or similar device); damage to walls due to the installation of adhesive papers, hangers, decals, etc. are NOT considered normal wear and tear; nails and the like should be removed from the walls
- Windows and sills – windows should be clean and free of decals; window sills should be free of bugs, dust, leaves, etc; close storm windows and ensure that screens are intact and clean; any window treatments should be clean and neatly hung; blinds and shades should be clean and operational
- Light fixtures – free of dirt, dust, bugs, etc; working bulbs of the proper type and size should be in every fixture
- Ceiling fan blades and lights – should be free of dust/dirt
- Light switch and electrical outlet covers – remove smudges, crayon marks, food stains and oil or grease
- Kitchen – inside all cabinets and drawers, wipe down exteriors; countertops and sink
- Refrigerator – inside and out (include doors and shelves) and clean rubber gaskets around both doors (remove crumbs); empty the refrigerator and freezer sections of all food including ice; turn off the ice maker by raising the metal bar
- Dishwasher – inside trays and racks and outside of door, especially edges
- Range (Stove) – cooktop, oven (including racks), drawer; working appliance light
- Microwave – interior, rotating glass plate, door (outside and inside)
- Washer and Dryer – lint tray, outside surfaces
- Bathrooms – sinks, cabinets/drawers, exhaust fans, bathtub/shower, doors, chrome and walls; leave no residue - test with your hand
- Replace the HVAC filter – a new one was there at the beginning of the rental period
