I will be leaving my apartment next month, but I still owe a month's rent. I do have a security deposit with them that is worth a month's rent. Should I just not pay and leave quietly? I know they are going to screw me out of my security deposit somehow even though the place is as perfect as when I moved in. Do landlords actually come after you for this kind of stuff? Doesn't it cost them more? I am moving to a different state if that means any difference. What should I do?
2006-12-28 13:13:42 · 12 answers · asked by 15fsg546rge1rrheljh45hjr90459ty3 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
dont pay it.
2006-12-28 13:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by Gods Girl...check my new profile 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I would pay the last months rent and before you leave the keys with the landlord I would have a walk through with the landlord and have them sign off on the fact that you left the apartment in perfect condition. Then if you do not get your deposit back you can then sue them. Make sure you take pictures and get the sign off. This way they know that you are prepared to take them to court. You also have done the right thing so no warrants or bad Karma.
2006-12-28 13:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by gman81874 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In many states, it is illegal for the landlord to accept a security deposit for a rent payment. Landlords DO come after people for "this kind of stuff." I have judgments and unlawful detainers (evictions that show up on your credit record) against former residents in my apartment buildings who moved out and owed rent. Yes, it costs me more to get the judgment or the eviction - but I usually get the money back eventually because it really screws up the credit record of the person I've sued. It doesn't matter if you're moving to a different state. The landlord can still sue you in the state where you're living, and if you don't show up for the hearing, judgment will most likely be entered against you.
I am incredibly SICK of being a good, responsible, responsive landlord with great, clean, nice apartments who gets screwed by lowlifes like you, who think I'm rolling in money. The rent you're not paying is coming out of your landlord's pocket, since they're likely having to pay for the mortgage and utilities that you're not paying. Landlords don't make much money on rental properties until the mortgages are paid off. Pay your rent - stop being a slimeball.
2006-12-28 14:20:32 · answer #3 · answered by Vicki D 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
my son was in a similar situation. He just told his landlord he lost his job and was going to have to move out. He told the landlord to use his deposit to pay his last month's rent and that was that.
If you think they might try to screw you, take pictures of the apartment before you leave. That way if they do take you to court, you can show the judge that you would have gotten your deposit back and they can just apply that to your rent.
Of course, if they don't know you're moving out--if they don't know the apartment is able to be re-rented, they'll keep charging you.
2006-12-28 13:33:02 · answer #4 · answered by Tina 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pay your rent.If your apartment is in perfect condition,you will get your security deposit back anyway.Most landlords in my area won't accept the security deposit as last months rent.
2006-12-28 16:01:30 · answer #5 · answered by stellablue1959 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
one months rent is chump change. if you skipped on me and moved out of state it would be free money. here is what i would do to you. pay attention people and learn something. i would spend thirty bucks and sue you in small claims court for five thousand dollars. i would serve you at your last known address which is the apartment in the same state. if you receive the notice i force you to take the time and expense to travel back to this state to defend yourself. but hopefully you don't show up and i win a judgment of five grand and i didn't even have to commit perjury. you have already given me your social security number and your bank account information. i will legally empty your checking account and garnish your wages for the rest. 30 bucks to make five grand. i just love stupid tenants.
2006-12-29 06:50:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What does your lease say? Some leases allow for you to use your security deposit as your last months rent. Others dont. Many rental agencies, dont care either way. First step, check your lease
2006-12-28 13:23:24 · answer #7 · answered by zebj25 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do you want a warrant taken out against you for non payment. Landlords have the right to pursue this issue. Why would you want to sneak out like a common criminal in the night without meeting your obligations.
2006-12-28 13:20:07 · answer #8 · answered by pawnyourhearttome 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The only thing that will catch up to you is Karma. If you leave with a zero balance and no damage, you're ok. Some apartment complexes do report to credit bureaus, though.
2006-12-28 13:20:59 · answer #9 · answered by normobrian 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I did this once, and several people I know have done it. I've never heard of a landlord going after someone after doing this.
2006-12-28 13:16:57 · answer #10 · answered by Nicole B 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Pay your rent. Don't be a thief.
2006-12-28 13:21:24 · answer #11 · answered by mom2trinityj 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋