Is it legal for an apartment complex to charge you for shampooing the carpet (it does not state you have to do it in the lease), cleaning the apartment and painting the apartment when you move out?
My husband and I moved out of an apartment complex and they deducted these charges from our security deposit. When we left the apartment, I made sure it was clean - vaccuumed, cleaned the appliances/counters, and was on my hands and knees scrubbing the floors. (I'm also 3 months pregnant and shouldn't have been inhaling the fumes of the cleaners, but it had to be done.)
Now this is an apartment complex that brings in a minimum of $78000 a month just from the complex we lived at, and to my knowledge, they go in and clean and repaint between tenants every time, so why do I have to pay for this?!
Any advice is appreciated. This complex is in Toledo, Ohio. Serious answers only - my blood pressure can't take smart asses.
2007-02-24 07:21:47 · 12 answers · asked by bluez 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They charged us $207 for doing the above things.
We did not have a pet - 2 adults lived there and never spilled anything on the carpet or anything.
2007-02-24 07:40:50 · update #1
They can't charge you for "normal wear and tear" on the place so if they painted because it's their standard operating procedure then they can't charge you for it but if they painted because the walls were yucking then they can.
Check to see if your local Legal Aid office has any free books on landlord tenant law.
2007-02-24 07:29:59 · answer #1 · answered by Resurrected Lover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your lease VERY closely. If it doesn't say anything about you shampooing the carpet then you don't have to and there's no truly legal court that will make you. That's one thing I like about West Virginia, there are no leasing laws so a contract isn't worth the paper it's written on.
2007-02-24 15:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally i'm a smart ***, so in a way you're taking away my fun. but to be serious, for normal cleaning and such, they should not charge you. if they had to shampoo the carpet because you had a pet, maybe they can do that (deduct). otherwise you should argue vehemently with them and maybe might have to threaten small claims or better business bureau action.
2007-02-24 15:28:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have reviewed the answers already provided. The best advise has been to read your lease and consult with legal counsel either by hiring someone or checking with the local legal aid office. Good luck.
2007-02-24 15:32:52 · answer #4 · answered by docholiday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would check my lease and contact an attorney for a free consultation. You might be able to complain to their general management if they are a nationally owned company. Most apartments require a walkthough and tell you what you will be charged for.
2007-02-24 15:33:41 · answer #5 · answered by The Big Shot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much did they charge you? If it is over $50 than it is worth your time and effort to get it back in civil law! Tell them about it and show prof that the place was clean when you left, and if they do not give you your money back take them to Court!
2007-02-24 15:33:36 · answer #6 · answered by princeessintraning 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats my experience too,You could try small claims court,I think it costs 50 bucks,but if you win it costs you nothing,I think both people state there side and the judge makes a ruling,pretty sure they just use common sense,I think it might take awhile to get to a hearing though,30 days or more.EVERY place that I have rented have ALWAYS looked for a excuse to keep the security deposit.There are some sorry people out there.
2007-02-24 16:17:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think so cause alot of apartments do that because if you have lice or whatever plus if it has just been repainted and shampood and professionally cleaned more people will want to rent it not that you didnt do a good job of cleaning but professionals are usually better sorry and good luck with your pregnancy!
2007-02-24 16:34:23 · answer #8 · answered by Avaria 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your lease , consult a lawyer.
2007-02-24 15:30:41 · answer #9 · answered by mark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say get a lawyer......and get your money back....with interest. It's not on the lease.....it shouldn't be deducted. Best of luck to you...........
2007-02-24 15:43:50 · answer #10 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋