Landlord sent itemized statement but did not sign it!?

Question

I moved out 4 weeks ago. My landlord sent me itemized deductions statement on 21st day of my move out (last allowable day by CA landlord/tenant law) but did not sign it?

Besides the fact that I can not agree with deductions, there is another problem. Itemized statement did not count for the overpayment I made few months ago and which I was promised to be returned at the end of tenancy.

Should I dispute deductions and my overpayment with the landlord or shall I request full security deposit (and overpayment I made) returned to me?

I dont feel convinced with the paper my landlord sent to me
Any advice on this?

Answer 1

you need to decide if the money owed to you is worth the fight
if it less then 50 bucks forget about it if its more i would fight it and try to get your money back threaten with small claims court that always works
good luck

Answer 2

Have a civilized conversation laying out your differences. Question or refute the items individually and point out your overpayment hasn't been included. Be calm and business like. "I don't think that's right", isn't a refutation. "That was normal wear and tear" or "that was the condition of the item when we moved in" is.

Remember that just because you request return of your security deposit doesn't mean he's going to return it. In fact, he won't. He's return the balance after he's deducted the items on the statement he's given to you. It's your job to dispute those items effectively.

This doesn't have to be contentious. It's business.

One last thing, what does the lack of a signature on the statement have to do with anything? My electricity bill isn't signed by anyone but it's still valid.

Answer 3

If you disagree then you need to tell them immediatly and if they argue make sure to keep all of the paperwork you have about the over payment and anything else.
Since it wasn't signed by the last date possible you should be entitled to the entire amount, you could try a small claims court, if the landlord is not going to abide by the law.

Answer 4

By law the landlord needs to give you a details invoice and enclosed pictures if necessary. You can talk to him first, and tell him you disagree with his deductions and would like to get XXX amount back if he does not agree with you than tell him that you will take him to small court and most of them do not like it.