How can I get my apartment security deposit back? When you're charged for things that aren't true.?

Question

I paid $900 almost two and a half years ago in 300 unit apparment buliding. I moved out three weeks ago. The buliding manger was or is a super bully and now they not only pay my deposit back, but also they charge me for things that are never true at all. How can I fight them?

Answer 1

There are state-by-state laws that closely regulate security deposits. When this happened to me last year, I sent them an itemized list of things they said were damaged but that were not. I corrected each and every item they had wrong and demanded the sum of my money back. I then sent this in a certified letter (costs like 4 bucks at the post office) to let them know I was serious. They sent me a check the next week. Above ALL else, remember to be professional in every communication you send them.

Answer 2

It is simple you demand the balance of your deposit back in writing. You pay a small fee for small claims court and take it to court. The courts are on your side they know how some companys lie. Did you do a move out with the Manager or a agent of the complex? This should always be done and you should get a copy of it at the time it is done. They are not your friend even if it was a friend it still should be done. Would you rent a car without doing a check sheet for damages. Would you just trust that they know if there is a small dent or scratch? Do you live in Ca? I don't know about other states but here the owner/manager must inform a tenant at the time they give a 30 notice to move. To inform the tenant that they have the right to a inspection two weeks before their move out date. This way the tenant can be informed what charges if any there will be. This way the tenant has two weeks to do what ever is needed before the move out inspection. If a manager wants to do it they can eat up your deposit and even make it so you owe them more money. But they better be able to prove what was done and that you caused it. can't charge you normal wear and tear. depending on how long you lived there is how they charge for paint. they can charge for nail holes and due to the nail holes they had to paint.

Answer 3

Since he's a super bully and they think they can get away with it, don't let him! Do you have someone who could write an argument on your behalf, with all of your facts? Not a lawyer, but a friend with really good vocabulary? The reality is The bullys don't expect people to do anything, and when pushed back or threatened with court action they usually fold like a bad card table. If that doesn't work, then find a lawyer (they're in the phone book) who will take your case pro bono, so you don't pay them unless they get you your money back, but be careful there too 'cuz they may want 75%, so watch what you sign. Another thing I have found VERY effective is to protest with signs and your friends outside the complex... the sidewalk is a free zone - he can't say you're trespassing, and if you get enough people that live there upset as well as people that are trying to look at the place (IMPORTANT DO NOT stop anyone from going in or out)
he will probably give you your money back just to get rid of you. Good luck

Answer 4

You have a common problem, and one that probably can't be solved this time, however, you have learned a valuable lesson of life. In order to insure a deposit refund I have learned the following. You must have a walk through at the time you move in. You must write down every problem you have and have it signed by an apartment Representative. Video tape or photograph any problems, and have a witness to the date of the taping. Then, when it is time to move out, after all your property is out and you have cleaned the apartment, you again video tape the apartment and get another walk through. Do this a few days before you actually have to be out so that IF there is anything wrong, you have time to correct it. Finally, at the FINAL inspection prior to turning in your keys, ask the Representative "is there any reason that I would not receive my FULL deposit back?" If the answer is no, get it in writing, if the answer is yes, get the problems in writing and get them corrected and re-inspected. MOST apartments WILL keep all or part of your deposit because most people will not go the the trouble described above, nor will the pursue legal action if the deposit is kept.

Answer 5

Take the story to your local news station and let them do the fighting for you. Between the attorneys that the station keeps on staff and the bad publicity, the apartment complex should give your money back in no time.

**I was forced to go this route when dealing in a similar situation with a bad landlord, a few years back. I had my deposit check in my hand within two weeks of calling up my local news station!

I wish you all the luck!

Answer 6

If the legal address is your/her apartment number and that is what's shown on the lease that you signed then, technically, you are renting the entire apartment - including her space - unless the lease spells out that you are renting only some rooms or a portion of the apartment. I'd tell her to let you out of the lease because you don't like sharing the utilities, mail box, etc. If she refuses, then tell her to get her butt out of the apartment you have legally rented - which would include the part she is occupying. She's the one trying to skirt the law. If she says she wants to enforce the lease then I'd say "Yeh, let's enforce the lease". Please move out and give me the whole apartment I'm leasing.

Answer 7

Some cities have free mediation services for landlord/tenant problems. I would look into that first, since a lawyer will probably cost you more that $900.

Answer 8

In the future, use a video cam of the whole apt, and then write down things you notice that may need attention. Bring to landlords attention & date it, in their presence.
Good luck!

Answer 9

Look for your states landlord/tenant laws.Call a lawyer and ask,most lawyers will tell you what you need to do.Tell the manager that your speaking with a lawyer and don't back down.They will lie to you.Good luck

Answer 10

Document everything that has happened, get names of witnesses who can't be intimidated or threatened, and then go see an attorny. You can get a judgement typically for triple what is owed you.