I met with our landlord last night and instead of recieving a check, he claimed that we OWE him money! On the list of charges, he completely replaced all the faucets and showers in all three bathrooms saying that they were leaking and required to be replaced. I have been living there for 2 years and never have I remembered anything leaking to the point where I would even have had to call him to fix! When I brought this up, he said that he's not even supposed to fix 'leaks'. He pretty much charged us $1500 to remodel his bathrooms, and even included a $360 labor fee, which he did himself!He payed himself $15/hr for three days work! This is not the first house I've rented, but this is definitely the least I've even recieved back,and the house was the best kept house I've ever lived in.Landlord at the end of our meeting said everything was 'his word against ours.' He's pretty much keeping all of our $1200 and saying we owe him $290.We never did a walk through with him either.What to do???
2006-12-19 04:28:54 · 5 answers · asked by smizzle 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Go to the local District court and file a small claims suit. Your landlord has to give you a full and detailed copy of all the repairs and/or replacements that he made. Not only that but common sense will provide the knowledge that generally when a faucet leaks... it needs a washer. When you file your claim at the court be sure to include all of your losses including the filing fee. If you happen to have pictures of when you moved in/out, that would be helpful, if there was a checklist that you filled out would also be a benefit. Don't take this lying down. I have been through the same situation in the past and was glad that I went to court to have the judge sort it out. You can find information on your tenant rights at your local Housing Commission, as well how to go about making a complaint about this property owner. If you don't really have a lot of paper work, don't get discouraged, Judges see crap like this everyday and can determine if someone is just trying to take advantage of another as it sounds in your case. This landlord thinks you don't know you have rights. Prove him wrong!
2006-12-19 05:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you move in, did he give you an inspection sheet? that's a paper that most landlords give you and you go room from room and note the condition of everything, like light fixtures, doors and door knobs, blinds, carpet, paint etc. While you are living there is the landlords responsibility to fix whatever is broken, specially if the house is old. Some people take pictures before and after moving out, so you can have proof that you are leaving everything in the same or better conditions that when you move in, for you it's too late for that, but you can have witnesses, like friends and family who can write an statement saying that the house was in good condition when you left. If your landlord is charging you for the paint, you need to check in your state, in Arizona you are not responsible to pay for the paint if you occupied the property over a year. Your landlord was supposed to tell you when he was going to check the property, because you had the right to be there. Check in your local Housing Dept. they can provide you with a pamphlet called Landlord and Tenants, Rights and Responsibilities. Take him to small claims court, check if he has more properties renting and talk to the tenants, get an opinion on him. Good Luck.
2006-12-19 12:50:20 · answer #2 · answered by Sarita 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have a tv show here called "10 on your side"...when I didn't get my deposit back (same type of thing)...I told the landlord I was going to call them and he wrote me a check same day. Hopefully you have something like that local that you can use against him...if not, tell him you are calling your lawyer.
Unless you caused the damage, he cannot make you pay for it. If you have pics, keep those, I would also request a walk thru with him now (if no one else has rented it) and take pics of what he upgraded. Of course do this BEFORE you tell him you are calling your lawyer.
2006-12-19 12:38:59 · answer #3 · answered by Niffer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to have to sue him in small claims court. Have as much paperwork and witness available. Might want to consult with a lawyer. Also, check court records to see if this guy has a history of being sued for the same thing. Good luck!
2006-12-19 12:33:18 · answer #4 · answered by Joe S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to go to small claims court to sue and get your money back. He can't charge you for the faucets unless you caused them to be broken.......he can only keep money if you damaged things or left something dirty.
2006-12-19 12:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋