🧱 Walls & Paint (Most Common Issue)

Walls and paint condition are among the most common causes of security deposit deductions. Small touch-ups often become highly visible after drying and may require full wall repainting to restore a uniform appearance.

Wall condition is the #1 cause of deposit deductions.

To avoid charges:

• Remove all nails, anchors, and mounted hardware
• Repair holes, dents, and damage properly
• Ensure paint results in a uniform appearance across the wall
• 
  

“Freckles” (patches or splotches of mismatched paint color or sheen) are considered damage.

Spot touch-ups that create visible variation are not acceptable.

👉 In most cases, achieving an acceptable result requires painting the affected wall from corner to corner.

If walls are not returned to acceptable condition, professional painting and/or repairs may be required and charged accordingly.

Where repairs are incomplete, inconsistent, or do not match original finishes, full wall or room repainting may be required to restore uniform condition.

🧼 Cleaning & General Condition

When you moved in, the home was ready for occupancy. It should be returned in similar condition.

Expectations include:

• All surfaces cleaned
• Appliances cleaned inside and out
• Floors cleaned (carpet and non-carpet)
• No trash or personal belongings left behind



If cleaning is required, it will be professionally completed and charged.

🧽 Carpet Cleaning

Carpets must be professionally cleaned at move-out.

• Rental machines (grocery store units) do not qualify
• You may arrange your own service or request coordination

Recommended:
We have had consistently good results with:

Oklahoma Steam Clean & Restoration (OKSR)
📞 405-519-1280

• Use of this vendor is optional, but services must meet professional standards.

Failure to provide professional cleaning may result in charges.

🔧 Routine Maintenance Responsibilities

Residents are responsible for routine maintenance during tenancy.

Common items that result in charges if not maintained:

• Dirty or unchanged HVAC filters
• Burned-out or missing light bulbs
• Plumbing clogs caused by improper use
• Lack of basic upkeep



👉 Only toilet paper should be flushed. Chemical drain cleaners are not permitted.

🚿 Utilities & Systems

Residents are expected to maintain all utilities and household systems in normal operating condition during tenancy.

Before move-out:

• Ensure all utilities remain active until possession is returned
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Replace HVAC filters if dirty
• Ensure smoke detector batteries are functioning where applicable
• Report any maintenance concerns before vacating

Failure to maintain systems or utilities properly may result in repair charges.

👉 Utility shutoff before move-out inspection may delay turnover and create additional charges.

🐾 Pets

Approved pets are expected to be properly cared for and any pet-related damage addressed before move-out.

Common pet-related charges include:

• Odor remediation
• Flea treatment
• Carpet replacement or additional cleaning
• Damaged blinds, doors, trim, or flooring
• Excessive yard waste or landscape damage

👉 Unauthorized pets may result in additional lease violation charges.

Even where pets are approved, damage beyond normal wear remains the resident’s responsibility.

🧾 Trash & Personal Property

• Remove all personal belongings
• Do not leave trash in the home or at the curb

Any required hauling or disposal will be charged.

🔑 Keys, Remotes & Items

All keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, gate devices, pool passes, and other issued items must be returned at move-out.

Charges may apply for:

• Missing keys or remotes
• Rekeying required due to missing items
• Missing mailbox or community access devices
• Unreturned appliance manuals or accessories originally provided

👉 Leave all items inside the property unless otherwise instructed.

⚠️ Common Avoidable Charges

These are the most frequent issues we see:

• Paint damage (“freckles,” patchwork, holes)
• Cleaning not completed
• Carpet not professionally cleaned
• Trash or items left behind
• Burned-out bulbs or dirty filters

✅ The Bottom Line

The easiest way to protect your security deposit is to return the property:

 ✅ Clean
✅ Undamaged
✅ Empty of personal belongings
✅ Properly maintained
✅ Ready for the next resident

Most move-out charges result from incomplete cleaning, paint touch-ups, abandoned items, or avoidable maintenance issues.

When in doubt, communicate with us before move-out. Preventing issues is almost always less expensive than correcting them afterward.

🔗 Helpful Tip

If you are unsure whether something meets expectations, it is almost always better to:
👉 Complete the work fully (not partially)
👉 Or allow us to coordinate professional service

Residents who prefer to handle repairs or cleaning themselves are welcome to do so; however, if you would like a referral to a trusted vendor, feel free to contact us and we can provide recommendations.