Does a landlord need receipts to charge you for damages to a house?

Question

Ours is trying to charge us ridiculous amounts for cleaning the walls, like 350 dollars a wall, and charging us for things that were already broken. We didn't take any pictures before or after we moved in, but we left the house the way we found it, if not better. Please tell me you are innocient until proven guilty!?

Answer 1

if you do not have proof of the condition of the place when you moved in and when you moved out. you have a up hill battle to say

now if you feel the actual bills are unreasonable then that would seem a better approach, if you could catch your landlord padding the bill, this would show un clean hands in court giving you a chance

Answer 2

The landlord does not need receipts for such expenses. How would he get receipts if he did the cleaning and repairs himself ? Most states have statutes indicating that hourly charges for such repairs be within reason. In the absence of any visible evidence concerning the condition in which you left the premises, it is your word against that of the landlord.

Should you end up in a court of law, the party with the most convincing evidence will prevail.

Answer 3

In hiring a company, the receipt is probably right.
If the landlord did the job himself or family members , the landlord can claim all expenses to make the home rentable.
if you gave proper notice and have proof (photos) of the condition when you moved in and then out..
you can go to court and the judge may reduce the expenses..or the judge could go the other way and claim against you for excessive damages..

always take photos...