How to Be a Great Tenant and Secure Your Full Security Deposit Refund

Moving into a new place in Sioux Falls is an exciting adventure. Whether you’re settling into a cozy apartment near Falls Park or a spacious family home in the south side suburbs, your rental is your sanctuary. But as any seasoned renter knows, the story doesn’t end when you sign the lease—it’s about how you care for the space during your stay.

At Luke Properties, we love seeing our tenants get their full security deposits back. It means the home was well-loved and is ready for the next neighbor to move in. Being a "great tenant" isn't about being perfect; it's about communication, consistency, and a little bit of elbow grease. Here is our guide to being a stellar resident and ensuring your checkbook stays happy when it’s time to move on.

Start on the Right Foot: The Move-In Inspection

The secret to getting your deposit back starts on day one. When you first get your keys, take the time to do a thorough walkthrough. Most property managers provide a move-in checklist—use it!

Snap photos of everything. If there’s a small scuff on the baseboard in the hallway or a slight stain in the bedroom carpet, document it. Send these photos to your property manager immediately. This establishes a baseline so that you aren't held responsible for pre-existing wear and tear when you eventually move out. Think of it as an insurance policy for your future self.

Maintenance is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

It’s tempting to leave all the cleaning for the final weekend of your lease, but the best tenants know that "maintenance" is a daily habit.

• Keep it Clean: Regularly cleaning high-traffic areas, like the kitchen and bathroom, prevents grime and lime scale from building up. In Sioux Falls, our water can be a bit hard, so keeping an eye on showerheads and faucets prevents permanent staining.
• Filter Checks: If your unit has a furnace, changing the air filter every 1-3 months is vital. Not only does this keep the air in your home clean, but it also prevents the HVAC system from straining, which is a major win for everyone.
• Address Spills Immediately: Accidents happen. If you spill juice on the carpet, treat it right away rather than letting it set. A small bottle of carpet cleaner is a cheap investment compared to a professional steam cleaning fee.

Communication is Key

One of the biggest mistakes a tenant can make is hiding a problem because they’re afraid of getting in trouble. At Luke Properties, we would much rather fix a small leak today than replace a rotted subfloor six months from now.

If a faucet starts dripping or a window seal feels drafty during a chilly South Dakota winter, let us know! Being proactive about maintenance shows you care about the property. A tenant who communicates well is always a favorite in our book.

Respect the Walls and Floors

We want you to make your house feel like a home, but be mindful of how you decorate. Use small nails or picture hangers instead of large bolts or adhesive strips that might rip the drywall paper off when removed.

If you decide to rearrange your furniture, lift—don't drag. Scratches on LVP flooring or hardwood can be costly to repair. Using felt pads on the bottom of your furniture legs is a simple, inexpensive way to protect the floors and your deposit.

The Final Countdown: Moving Out

When the time comes to move on to your next chapter, give yourself plenty of time to clean. A "broom clean" standard usually isn't enough to get a full refund. Aim for "hotel clean."

• The Forgotten Spots: Wipe down the inside of the oven, the top of the refrigerator, and the insides of the cabinets.
• Light Bulbs and Batteries: Ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs and smoke detectors have fresh batteries.
• Patch and Paint: If you hung pictures, check with your property manager about their policy on patching holes. Often, a tiny bit of spackle goes a long way.
• Remove All Trash: Don't leave "treasures" behind for the next tenant. If it’s not there when you moved in, it shouldn't be there when you leave. Sioux Falls has great recycling and waste programs—use them to clear out the clutter.

Partnering with Luke Properties

Being a great tenant is really just about mutual respect. We respect your right to a comfortable, well-maintained home, and in return, we ask that you treat the property with care. When both parties work together, the rental experience is stress-free and rewarding.

If you’re looking for your next home in the Sioux Falls area, or if you have questions about your current lease, the team at Luke Properties is always here to help. We take pride in our community and our residents, and we look forward to helping you find a place you’re proud to call home.