Do Home Renters have to follow any special guidelines before rent out thier home?

Question

I just moved out of a home that I rented out in Royal Oak, MI
She is a "friend of a friend". When I moved in she promised me repeatedly to paint the walls, and move a couple of furniture pieces to th basement remove, her clothing from the closets. She never did any of it and her reason is that "it wasn't written in the lease". I emptied the closets and put everything into boxes when I moved in. On top of it, the walls were full of nail holes, the bathroom closet door was broken and the mirror on it was cracked. The shower drain was clogged, and the drain didn't work properly, the house smelled like cat urine, and I found cat poop in the basement, the toilet and washing machine leaked because the were about 25 years old and because of it, my water bill came out to $200- even though my usual water usage is $50. She won't give me security deposit back even though the home is in better condition than when I moved in.Does the home owner need to qualify or something before renting out?

Answer 1

If she won't give you the deposit back, sue her for it.

In many places both the rental property and the landlord need to be registered with either the state or the town. The only qualifying that is done is paying the fee.

The best thing to do is when someone makes you promises, get it in writing.

Answer 2

The only guide lines you have is stated in the lease however, if there are things in or on the property that need to be repaired you should make any and all requests in writing to the home owner. Depending on what state you live in there is a such thing called Tenants Rights. For example in New York State it reads for:
RETALIATION

Landlords are prohibited from harassing or retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights. For example, landlords may not seek to evict tenants solely because tenants (a) make good faith complaints to a government agency about violations of any health or safety laws; or (b) take good faith actions to protect rights under their lease; or (c) participate in tenants' organizations. Tenants may collect damages from landlords who violate this law, which applies to all rentals except owner-occupied dwellings with fewer than four units. (Real Property Law §223-b)

And in NYS for: LANDLORDS' DUTY OF REPAIR

Landlords of buildings with three or more apartments must keep the apartments and the buildings' public areas in "good repair" and clean and free of vermin, garbage or other offensive material. Landlords are required to maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating systems and appliances landlords install, such as refrigerators and stoves in good and safe working order. Tenants should bring complaints to the attention of their local housing officials. (Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL) §78 and §80; Multiple Residence Law (MRL) §174. The MDL applies to cities with a population of 325,000 or more and the MRL applies to cities with less than 325,000 and to all towns and villages.)

But you will have to find out what the law states for regulation in your region. I would suggest you contact your local fair housing council to find out in more detail regarding your sitution. Or visit; www.hud.gov to read up on your rights as a tenant. As long as you have reciepts for any of the repairs made which are the landlords responsibility they can not retain your security deposit. If you have to take this person to court, make sure you have proof of before and after along with your lease and any other documents or communications in writing you may have and contact an attorney if you have any other questions or any property management office for advise.