I have rented a basement apartment before and I have just moved out. My landlord called me and ask for a $500 maintance charge because she said there were "serious" damages in the apartment. She has threatened me that she need the money paid to her within a few days or else she will call the police. But I am certain that those "serious damages" are little scratches on the wall, and a little worn out of the counter top. It is unreasonable to give her $500 for maintance, but if I do not give it to her, she will call my cell phone, come to my work place ...etc to get her money back. What should I do? (by the way, i have lived at that apartment for 3 years, I think it is reasonable to have a little worn out of the house. She cannot expect me to return the house to her in a perfect condition) Please advice.
2006-08-31 04:37:16 · 9 answers · asked by karenkarenccc 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
go round and have a look with a friend , if its easy fixed then plaster over it and paint it as long as its your fault. if it was already there and you did no other damage then tell them to GFY. but you have to give the house back in the condition you recieved it, even pay to have the carpets steam cleaned. may save hassle
2006-08-31 04:46:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless she is claiming vandalism, it is not a police matter. If she goes to the cops it will just weaken her case (look like a vindictive nut). So don't worry about that.
Do (as suggested above) take a wittness, and camera, and go see what she is complaining about. You are not responsible for normal wear or normal cleaning unless it was in your rental agreement. But by going there you will establish that you are a reasonable, dependable adult who is willing to listen and take care of your responsiblilities.
If there is no damage (normal wear is not damage), then tell her (calmly), you feel that a judge should decide the issue. Do NOT get in to any kind of debate!!! You might mention that this is a civil matter and you expect eveyone will behave civilly.
That could very well end it. But if you do get your day in court, you will come off as the reasonable person, while she was the nut talking about the police. You have the advantage if you keep cool. Don't sweat being in court, it is not a criminal matter just a disagreement among reasonable people who are letting a disinterested third party settle things. Look on it as a new interesting experience. Good Luck.
2006-08-31 05:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by veritas 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you rented the apartment, did you make a pre-move in inspection of the apartment and document any problems? Both you and the landlord should have signed and had copies of this. This would help you, but even without it you are not responsible for normal wear and tear on the apartment. Normal wear on carpets, paint, etc. are the responsibility of the landlord. Also, she cannot keep your deposit for normal wear(this is where the pre-move in inspection would be beneficial). Ask her for a itemized list of the "serious" damage and the estimates she has based the "maintenance charges" on (estimates of materials, labor, etc.) - real figures, not something she grabbed out of the air. Refuse to pay for normal wear items and negotiate the rest, if any. If you cannot resolve the issue, you may have to resort to legal means.
2006-08-31 05:45:45 · answer #3 · answered by sloop_sailor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is her fault if she did not make you pay a deposit when you moved in. If you payed a deposit, then she could deduct the damages from that.....and not give the full amount or any of the deposit back. If someone damaged the house above and beyond that amount, then I think the landlord would have to take the renter to court. If there is no deposit, then she is stupid....and she will just have to take you to court. If she comes to your work, make her leave for harrassment. Do not answer her calls.
2006-08-31 04:45:32 · answer #4 · answered by mississippi_gal_10 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File a complaint against her in municipal court for harassment and attempted extortion. You can also get a restraining order.
It is also against the law to try and force people to pay money with the threat of unleashing the police if you don't pay up.
If she feels she has actual damages, then she must file in civil court and prove it. Unless a court orders you to, do not pay her a freaking dime.
Hopefully you took photos when you moved in and when you moved out to show that it was normal wear and tear.
2006-08-31 04:54:01 · answer #5 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the employ you signed stated you'll supply 60 days observe and pay a termination fee in case you broke your employ, certain, those expenses are very valid. the upkeep topics you suffered 2 years in the past has not something to do with you breaking your employ and in no way giving sufficient observe - no courtroom will facet with you because the time between both situations is too lengthy. certain, they could deliver you to collections, and it is going to seem on your credit record as a series. Even after sequence debts are paid in complete, it is going to nevertheless damage your credit for as a lot as 7 years afterwards so i'd pay it formerly you flow to collections. they could deliver you to collections interior of 15 days after flow out in case you do not pay.
2016-12-06 01:11:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hang onto your money. Don't give her a penny. If she bothers you at work, you may want to have her arrested for trespassing. Get your phone number changed and get an unpublished (not just unlisted) phone number. If she calls the cops, do you think they have to take orders off her?
2006-08-31 04:48:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is harassing you and trying to get $$ from you unfiarly. all states have rental laws and tenants rights..............normal wear and tear is the rule of thumb, if she calls the police , the police will not be able to do anything about it, she has to sue you in small claims court and if she has no proof of major damage, she will lose.if she comes to your job, ask her nicely to leave you alone, if she contrinues to stay call the police and request them to tell her to leave...document all calls, and threats for yur record, also did you recieve you deposit back after leaving? good luck
2006-08-31 04:47:20 · answer #8 · answered by walterknowsall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that your deposit should have sufficed that. If she didn't have one, or a lease, she would have a hard time proving it. Who is to say you already haven't paid her enough. Don't give her any money unless you owe her rent.
2006-08-31 05:05:17 · answer #9 · answered by KIMBO 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋