I live in California. I signed a four month lease in an apartment that defaulted to month to month afterwards. I was charged $350 deposit upon move in. When I moved out there were all kinds of charges that I don't think are lawfully held. Now they are trying to charge me another $250 on top of the $350. I know that part of it ($200) was for pro-rated rent which is okay, but they charged me for cleaning, extra cleaning, steam cleaning carpets, ect. Now, the apartment was clean when I moved out, no damages, not even one nail hole but that was 3 months ago and I do not have any proof. There was also no move out inspection. I left my keys in the drop box when I moved out. If this is wrong, then how do I go about gettting my money back and have them stop trying to collect more from me?
2007-03-05 09:51:06 · 10 answers · asked by Red 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think I heard they can charge you for the carpet cleaning if you lived there less than one year, but as stated these landlord have a penchant for creating was to keep your money.
I had one landlord keep my deposit when my car was stolen from their "gated" property and the gate remote was in the car. The gates had broken down and that's how the theif got in. They also charged for the carpet and we were there a year and they were fairly clean(Just high traffic marks)
2007-03-05 14:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Under CA law, a landlord has 21 calendar days to either:
1) Return the security deposit in full
or
2) Provide an itemized list of any deductions and the reasons for the deductions from the security deposit. Included with this statement should be any and all receipts for any of the deductions listed.
If the landlord has not returned your deposit or provided you with an itemized list with in the 21 days, the landlord then forfeits his right to any of the deposit and must refund the deposit in full to you.
The link below is the official tenants guide to renting in CA as put out by tenant advocacy groups. It will answer any and all questions you might have concerning your rights as a renter and what is and is not allowed. It also offers you suggestions on how to make your life easier as a renter.
2007-03-05 10:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you clean the place when you move out, most landlords here in California have a talent for finding ways to justify keeping your deposit. You can contact the local housing authority to get a copy of your rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act. Good luck.
2007-03-05 10:01:42 · answer #3 · answered by Jerry T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no proof that you left the apt. in good condition. I doubt you can recoup the deposit.
It's always a good idea to take pictures and have a walk through with the landlord. Get a signed document that the place was as it was when you signed the lease and moved into the apartment.
2007-03-05 09:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by ne11 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
California does have a Lanlord and Tenant act giving you rights. One thing is the landlord has to give you an itemized list of problems and normal wear does not count. Carpet cleaning really is normal, but they seem to charge anyway. The stuff in your contract that contradicts the Landlord,tenant act is illegal, but it still may be hard to change.
2007-03-05 10:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by metaraison 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DPS awarding you back your deposit is an entire distinctive subject to lease arrears. you're implying you have no way of contacting your landlord given which you "don't understand" his call and handle. If the owner writes his call and handle on in simple terms slightly paper, it fairly is valid notice. you could seem to be attempting to stay sparkling of charge of lease arrears - perchance believing that he does no longer actually hassle taking you to court docket
2016-10-02 10:47:31 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they cant charge you for steam cleaning the carpets unless it was stated in your lease and you signed it. I'm pretty sure they cant even charge you for cleaning as long as you let it reasonably clean. Security deposits are for damage and delinquent rent, not cleaning.
2007-03-05 09:57:00 · answer #7 · answered by don_megaWC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get all the justice that you can afford. If you can afford to hire an attorney to go after the landlord for the money, then best wishes.
2007-03-05 09:55:09 · answer #8 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just run now, fight and you'll get done for court costs as well unless Ca. really is la la land.
2007-03-05 09:55:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
call judge judy!!
2007-03-05 09:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by tire chick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋