11 Tips for Tenants of furnished Flats

By: Michael Perantonis 2023

11 Tips for Tenants of furnished Flats: How to make sure to get the Security Deposit back

Renting a furnished apartment could prove to be a great alternative for those who do not want to spend a lot of money on furnishings or prefer a more flexible living environment. Tenants in furnished apartments, on the other hand, must be aware of the security deposit that they will be expected to pay when they move in. Here are 11 guidelines for renters of furnished apartments to ensure that their security deposit is returned.

Take inventory of the furniture: When you move into your furnished flat, take an inventory of the furniture and other items provided. Check for any damage, scratches, or stains and report them to the landlord.

Take pictures: Take pictures of the furniture and any other items provided. This will help you to document the condition of the flat when you move in.

Keep the flat clean: Keeping the flat clean is essential if you want to get your security deposit back. Be sure to clean regularly and avoid damaging the furniture or other items.

No Parties and no Endless Number of Visitors: Athens has an exciting nightlife. So there is no need to party in the rented furnished apartment. There should not be an endless stream of visitors staying at the furnished flat. And yes! You will be responsible for your guests spilling red wine over the new white sofa.

Repair any damages: If you do cause any damages to the furniture or other items provided, repair them as soon as possible. This will show the landlord that you are responsible and can help to avoid any disputes over the security deposit.

Do not make any modifications: Avoid making any modifications to the flat without the landlord permission. This includes painting the walls or installing new fixtures.

Read the lease agreement: Read the lease agreement carefully and understand what is expected of you as a tenant. This will help you to avoid any misunderstandings with the landlord.

Report any issues: If you notice any issues with the flat, such as plumbing or electrical problems, report them to the landlord immediately. This will help to avoid any damage to the flat and can prevent the landlord from holding you responsible for any damage.

Keep the keys: Keep the keys to the flat safe and secure. Losing the keys can result in additional charges from the landlord.

Pay rent on time: Pay your rent on time and avoid any late fees or penalties. This will show the landlord that you are responsible and can help to avoid any disputes over the security deposit.

Be polite and respectful: Be polite and respectful to the landlord and any other tenants in the building. This can help to create a positive relationship with the landlord and can increase your chances of getting your security deposit back.

What If the Damage is done?

Remember, the best way to ensure that you get your security deposit back is to take good care of the furnished flat while you are living there.
If you do cause damage, be upfront and honest with your landlord and work together to find a solution.
If you have already caused damage to the furnished flat, there are still some steps you can take to try to get your security deposit back:

Notify the landlord immediately: As soon as you realize that you have caused damage, inform your landlord. It is better to be upfront and honest about the damage rather than trying to hide it.

Offer to repair or replace the damaged item: If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it yourself or offer to pay for the repairs. If the damage is more significant, you may need to offer to replace the item entirely.

Negotiate with the landlord: If the damage is significant, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs or replacements from your security deposit. You can try to negotiate with the landlord to come to a mutually acceptable solution.

Document the damage: Take photos of the damage and keep any receipts or invoices for repairs or replacements. This documentation can be used as evidence if there is a dispute over the security deposit.

Seek legal advice: If you feel that the landlord is unfairly withholding your security deposit, you may want to seek legal advice. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and options.

M.Perantonis