List Only

I recently vacated the apartment, I was renting since last over two years. and asked to pay $1500 now?

I recently vacated the apartment that I was renting since last little over two years. I had given deposit of $500 when I rent the apartment two years back.The apartment has normal wear and tear and I was expecting something back from my deposit money.However, in addition to not giving anything back from my deposit, the management is asking me to pay $800.Therefore, it will cost be $1300 in total.On asking, they mentioned that it is required to paint the walls, change the carpet, change the floor in the kitchen and bathroom. Furthermore, recently they are renovating the portion of the property, that includes painting outside wall, repairing patios and balcony etc. They re-did my balcony a month ago when I was there. I am wondering, as what are my rights and options in this situation? Can somebody please guide?

Public Comments

1. Ask the landlord for a complete breakdown of all the costs. In most leases, you are not responsible for gereal wear, such that happens when carpets and paint naturally wear over time. You are responsible for things like stains, burn marks and breakage. This is one area that renters often don't realize. If you have areas where there are stains on the wall and carpet, that is your responsibility. However, assuming that you did not leave any damages or stains or other problems which legitamately can be deducted from your deposit: If the landlord cannot show you a satisfying breakdown of costs for non-wear damage you caused, demand your deposit. If he doesn't give it to you, you can take him to small claims court to recover your deposit. During the small claims court, the landlord will have to show to the judge's satisfaction that the charges to your deposit are valid.
2. Most areas have some sort of tenant union/association or legal aid available which you can consult. However, the best thing you can do is produce evidence that you did not cause any extraordinary wear and tear to the apartment. If you have photos which document the condition of the carpets, walls, floors, etc. when you first moved in and photos which show the condition after you cleaned the apartment, you will probably be able to recover most of your deposit. If you did not keep a photographic record, you will have a much more difficult time, but you may be able to use the testimony of people who visited your apartment to bolster your case. ALWAYS take photographs or videotape when you move into a house or an apartment.
3. When you moved out did the apt complex go through a walk through with you? If so you should have received a form that shows if you left the apartment in satisfactory condition. If you have this form you can fight their claim that they need to repair these items. After living in an apt for 2 yrs it should be standard that the apt complex repaint the walls. I would also contact an attorney to see if they will write a legal letter to the complex. This may drop their claim.
4. check out this site: http://www.caltenantlaw.com/Deposit.htm