Terminating rental relationships in Ecuador is always a fickle matter. The tendency of people to take advantage of everything to squeeze a few dollars more in the short run is annoying, as is the proliferation of gossip with intent to hurt. For a business like mine, that means treading on glass. And I've gotten very good at it.
What's the trick?
Early communication.
Let them know early that you're going to leave. Be decisive, yet friendly on how you're planning to do things. If something is unclear, be precise with your questions and the implications if the question is not answered. Some people love to not answer questions to later surprise with an extra charge. Try not to leave any space for malicious interpretation or misunderstandings.
You can start even earlier - when renting the space. Talk on how to handle things when and if you have to leave before the contract ends, how to prolong contracts, everything you need to know so you can act accordingly when the time comes. Never take it like a bible, though, people are nicer when they want to sell you than when you really stop buying.
Forget the safety deposit, Jake. It's Ecuador
No, you won't get your safety deposit back, even if you return the space in better shape than before. So just make it clear from the beginning that the safety deposit will be for the owner to restore the place afterwards and have some kind of backup for that, a screenshot or put it into the contract. It's usually cheaper that way, too, and it will definitely cost you less nerves.
To be fair, you do sometimes find a good landlord who is fair, too, and gives back the deposit. Still, I prefer to leave it in order for them to fix what they want, and how they want to fix it.
Be more than fair.
Don't go down to their level of fighting over each dollar if you don't really need it. The energy is not worth the money. If you leave the first of the month, but the electric meter is read the 10th of the month, don't discount the 10 days - but make it clear that you're not discounting them. Make sure they know that you're giving an extra there.
You have to establish limits there. Here, it's the 10th usually, so it's cool. If it was the 15th, I would pay half of what was my monthly average of that bill. Most importantly: Communicate that when terminating the lease!
Don't count on contracts.
If they're not notarized, they're worthless, and if they are, it still takes a long time to get a ruling. In the meantime, your reputation will be smashed on how badly you treated the owner, how you left everything smashed and they had to take on debt to restore the place, and now you even want more from them! No, not kidding, there are cases...
Conclusion
It actually comes down to being generous. Know your limits though, set them well, and you'll be fine. Plus, landlords talk. If you stay in the same town, people will know what kind of renter you are. Having a good reputation will get you preference for better locations, and even better deals. I got my $500 rental house because of recommendations from several landladies and the former renters of the house. That is half the price that the house would usually go for, because the owner knows I take care of most handy-man-work and only ask for help if it's something structural (which happens every two years or so). She, too, prefers less stress over more money.
How do you handle rental breakups in your country?
