I moved in without having to pay a security deposit, so what happens when I move out?

The apartment was running a special when I moved in. I was not required to pay a security deposit and received the first month free. Perfect timing for me as I was in a desperate situation. I now need to move to the opposite side of town and am worried what will happen when I do not renew my lease in May. I cannot afford to be charged a lot for moving out. I am steam cleaning everything, carpets will be cleaned professionally, and the apartment will be left spotless. Suggestions?|||Take photos after you clean the apartment to show the condition. That way, if landlord attempts to 'charge' you, you can document its 'move-out' condition.|||Keep your receipts for the professional carpet cleaning, take a lot of photos (make sure they're detailed and dated), and be present for the final walkthrough with the landlord. Ask your landlord if he/she has a checklist that they use for tenants who are leaving. My previous landlord had this list and it was easy for me to go down the list before the final walkthrough and make sure everything was completed.





If there are any charges, you will be expected to pay them since you did not have a security deposit. However, if you feel they are ridiculous charges, then you have the option to go to court. Not all landlords give ridiculous fees and charges... many are honest and know what reasonable wear and tear is. I lived in two apartments (one for one year and one for six years) and I received my full security deposit back both times. My sister has lived in four apartments over twelve years and has always received her full security deposit back.|||If you did not pay a security deposit, you can leave but take photos of the apartment and make sure you have a written checklist and a walk-through signed by the manager. If they do not note any damages in the check list, they cannot ask for damages later on. Why dont you just ask if there are any charges when you leave?|||You are still responsible for damages and cleaning, which you do seem to understand. Take lots of pictures when you move out, keep the receipts from the carpet cleaning, especially if it is going to be done professionally. They will send you a bill for repairs and cleaning they deem necessary; if you can prove you did these, then you will be fine. If not, they can take you to court if you refuse to pay.|||Well since you didn't have to put down a security deposit and as a long you keep the apartment until your lease is up you will not have anything happen. The only time you will have a problem is if you break the lease before the lease is up. Seems everything is fine for you.