Does a landlord have to take me to court to get a bogus "balance due" after we quit renting?

Question

They kept all of the security deposite and everything else was normal wear and tear. Any info on this would be appriciated. Can she do anything to my credit standing?

Answer 1

Laws vary from state to state and even different cities. Get a copy of Tenant's Rights in the state where you live. Try finding it online or find out where you can obtain a copy by contacting your mayor's office. This way you can get the official word on this. I am in New York, and I only know the laws of where I live.

Answer 2

If you signed a lease/contract than any violations of the contract will be your liability. Most landlords dont want to pay back the security deposit because most of the time they dont have a renter lined up to rent the next month. Most of the time the tenant will not take them to court for their security deposit back so it is easy for them to just keep it.

Answer 3

The landlord can take you to court, but if you think she is being unfair and maybe she might owe you money then you can counter sue. or even if the landlord doesn't sue you, you can file a claim against her for what you think she owes you. If you go to court take all receipts and photos (if any) or any supporting evidence or witnesses,if the witness can't go to court then make sure any statements they may write for you are notarized. I don't believe it will effect your credit, but if you lose in court it could affect your future ability to rent another place to live.

Answer 4

Yes, the landlord can take you to court, if they have a valid belief that you owe them money.

As to your credit report, apparently anything can be put on your credit report that the credit reporting company allows, regardless of any factual or legal basis for the claims.

Answer 5

You can take them to Small claims court, You can file with Federal Trade Commission and hand her over to Fair Housing with HUD, Housing and Urban Development!