When doing a check-in inspection, be thorough. Make a copy of the completed check-in form for yourself. Give the original to your landlord. Also, you may want to take pictures and have witnesses go through the apartment with you and sign the check-in form. Madison landlords must provide renters with check-out forms prior to moving out.
Many landlords schedule check- out appointments with renters.
A Madison landlord who fails to give a renter either or both of the forms cannot withhold any amount from a security deposit for cleaning costs or damages. These items and other activities customarily performed by the landlord should not be deducted from the tenant's security deposit. Therefore a landlord can not deduct for carpet cleaning even if you agreed to it in your lease. The landlord has 21 days after you move out to return the security deposit. Madison landlords must return either the full deposit or a written, itemized list of deductions.