I am a recent widow and was forced to move to a smaller place. My husband and I spent hundreds of dollars upgrading the landscaping, plus left a built in microwave. Landlord says it cost him $1800 to repaint the house (it did NOT need it), so wants to keep my $1500 deposit. He tried to use "lawyer cross examining" tactics to try to intimidate me since I am alone, but I am not easily intimidated. In the end, he agreed to return my deposit. Funny thing is, he considered me (us) the perfect tenants as we were never late with rent and took care of the house like it was our own. But for some reason, writing that check turned him into a monster...do I have any recourse if he does not send me my money?
2007-02-21 11:32:25 · 4 answers · asked by Denise T 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
if you don`t get the deposit back ,contact a lawyer
2007-02-21 11:40:48 · answer #1 · answered by alleykhad607 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Laws governing the return of rental deposits and what a landlord may charge you will vary be state. Here in California, the landlord can use the deposit to fix damages that are beyond "normal wear and tear" on the rental unit.
What does "normal wear and tear" really mean? Like beauty, normal wear and tear is in the eyes of the beholder. If the landlord won't return the deposit, the simplest thing to do is file a small claims lawsuit and let the judge decide.
2007-02-21 19:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by Carl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No he is pulling your chain. First I would tell him to prove it. Secondly, most states required apts to be painted every 2 to 3 years so if you painted and he didn't, he doesn't have a case.
2007-02-25 19:30:16 · answer #3 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'll have to go to small claims court , good luck and may God watch over you
2007-02-21 19:57:00 · answer #4 · answered by mom of 4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋