Penn Center Apartments will hold the security deposit until the end of the lease and tenant vacates the apartment. The security deposit will be mailed to the address the tenant provides the landlord within 30 days of the move out date, minus the cost of cleaning, repairs, or replacements needed. A spreadsheet will be provided outlining all deductions for your records.
Below is information on how to prepare your apartment to get the most back from your refund:
Please make sure that your apartment is left in a clean and orderly condition. In addition to an overall cleaning of the apartment, particular attention should be given to the following areas which have been common problems in the past:
- The refrigerator, including the freezer, should be thoroughly cleaned. Be sure to clean the door gaskets of the refrigerator and freezer and underneath the vegetable drawer. Many times residents forget to remove food from the refrigerator. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT TURN OFF THE REFRIGERATOR. PLEASE LEAVE IT TURNED ON AT THE #1 SETTING.
- The stove top, drip pans and the under-burners should be cleaned and wiped and free of all grease and grime. The under-burner is the part of the stove under the drip pans which catches the overflow of the drip pans. To clean the under-burner, you need to lift the burner, remove the drip pan and wipe down the visible surface of the stove that is normally covered up by the drip pan. The oven, oven racks and drawer should be thoroughly cleaned with oven cleaner. Make sure you thoroughly wipe off the oven cleaner. Also remember to remove the drawer and clean the floor underneath. DO NOT USE OVEN CLEANER ON DRIP PANS. Please make sure you completely remove the oven cleaner – you should re-check the oven after it dries and remove any remaining residue.
- The shower doors and shower tracks should be carefully and thoroughly cleaned. Bleach and a small brush, such as a toothbrush, will aid in cleaning this area. Medicine cabinets should be thoroughly wiped out including the underside of the cabinet. Tub walls should be cleaned with a bathroom cleaner, specifically for fiberglass tubs. The bathtub should be cleaned to white. Some product recommendations are: Comet Bathroom Cleaner w/Bleach or Clorox Bathroom Cleaner. When using these products, be sure to follow instructions on the containers. PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET BLEACH ON THE CARPET.
- The carpet must be vacuumed and professionally shampooed. A valid receipt must be given to the office by the last date of the lease to prevent being charged for shampooing. It is not GN Associates responsibility to get a receipt from the cleaning company. PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES WE WILL HONOR:
- Nittany Chem-Dry (1-814-234-8863)
- Stanley Steamer (1-570-322-5194)
- Remember to vacuum your entire apartment. Many times residents forget to vacuum under the cushions, in crevices and the floor under the sofa and love seat. Be sure to actually move the furniture when you vacuum.
- All vertical blinds must be wiped clean. You can use a mild liquid detergent with warm water or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the blinds. Each slat should be individually wiped down. Also be sure to clean the inside of the windows.
- Clean, dust and set up all furniture. Wipe out all dresser drawers. Dust off all lamp shades. Vacuum under all furniture.
- Clean out all cupboards and all drawers in kitchen and vanity area. Clean kitchen cupboard doors inside and outside. These areas must be clean to the touch, as well.
- Clean interior and exterior of microwave, especially the inside top of the microwave.
- Wipe down all apartment and closet doors (including the inside and outside of the entrance door).
- Sweep and mop kitchen floor tile. After cleaning the floor, we suggest using product made for no-wax floors.
- Clean mirrors in bedrooms and dust mirror frames.
- Be sure to remove tape from walls.
- Your apartment was also furnished with a fire extinguisher. If missing or discharged, there will be a charge.
- Each bathroom in your apartment was furnished with a plunger. If missing, there will be a charge of $11.00.
Key Return: When you vacate your apartment, all keys must be returned to the Penn Center office. All keys must be turned in no later than noon on the last day of the lease. If you mail the keys, please put them in a padded envelope and mail them certified mail as your receipt that they were mailed on time. Charges for the keys not turned in or turned in late will be deducted from your security deposit.
Cable/Internet: If you have cable service, it is your responsibility to make sure it is disconnected. You should call Comcast Cable directly at 570-326-3384 or 1-800-266-2278. If you have rented a cable converter box, it is your responsibility to make sure it is returned. GN Associates will not be responsible for such equipment. You will not be permitted back into the apartment after the lease termination to claim any personal property.
