It\'s one of the most perplexing hassles any time many people leave an apartment complex. We\'re talking, of course, about the struggle over the security deposit.

Sometimes it seems like every landlord thinks you should not get any of it back, and like every tenant feels he or she should get it all back. Let\'s look at some steps you can take to make refunding a deposit less of a hassle.

First, let\'s discuss our terminology. A security deposit simply refers to the money that a tenant gives the landlord to use to fix any damages left behind when the tenant moves out.

We should not confuse it with an application deposit or with advanced rent. Also, a pet deposit is a type of security deposit, but is separate from the standard security deposit.

If you\'re a landlord, here are some suggestions to make the whole battle over the security deposit go a little easier. First, make sure you conduct a formal pre-movein walkthrough with the tenant.

As you do so, get pictures and maybe even videos of the property after all the cleaning and other work have been done. Be sure you time stamp these pictures. These will serve as documented evidence of the property\'s condition when the tenant moved in.

Also have a pre-moveout walkthrough. This should take place about a month prior to the tenants moving out. Be sure to contact the tenants and schedule this joint walkthrough.

As you do this, discuss repairs that must be done. This will allow you to see if there are major repairs that must be scheduled before they move out, and it gives the tenant the opportunity to fix minor things in order to get more of their deposit back.

You might even consider supplying a couple of gallons of paint. Anything more, though, should be the tenant\'s responsibility.

Then finally, do a post-moveout walkthrough.. This is done immediately after the tenants leave. As at first, you should take photos and videos.

Focus on all areas that were not adequately repaired and touched up. And again, make sure the pictures are time stamped. By comparing these pictures with the first pictures, you have solid evidence of damage caused by the tenants.

It goes without saying that when returning a deposit or attempting to collect further payment for damage that a tenant did to your property, the process might not always go as smoothly as you\'d like. However, if you\'re proactive and if you document the conditions of the property before, during and follow the tenant\'s occupancy, you will tremendously help your cause.

Finally, by giving the tenant an opportunity to address some of the problems with the apartment on their own, you will form a more positive relationship with them. This by itself might eliminate some of the deposit conflicts.

It also eases some of the transition burden on you. It\'s in everyone\'s best interests to maintain as cordial of a relationship between the tenant and landlord as possible.