I live in Nebraska and I recently moved out of my first apartment. It was a somewhat crappy apartment when I moved in. When I moved out, I was given an outrageous bill that topped over $600. Examples of the charges: Shower/Tub Track- $55, Blinds- $14. Ironically, I worked for a cleaning company and cleaned the entire apartment myself. Even if it was dirty, I know that it does not take that much money to clean it. I wrote them a letter and they knocked down the prices to just under $500, but I feel that is way too much. I really need help with this situation because I feel taken advantage of. Thank you.
2007-08-26 17:06:19 · 10 answers · asked by Me 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
that does not seem fair to me at all. where i live, i was charged a remodeling fee before i moved in to cover stuff like that for $250. i think you need to contact the better business bureau. good luck!
2007-08-26 17:15:09 · answer #1 · answered by whynogo2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Over $600 seems excessive and the fact they they were will to drop it down to $500 after you complained tells me that they know this. Some municipalities restrict how much landlords can charge for cleaning after you move out. Generally landlords are not able to charge you for things that are general wear and tear like carpet cleaning and putting on a fresh coat of paint. You should contact your local renter's assistance center, most larger cities have these types of organizations that help people like you not get fleeced by landlords.
You probably won't need an attorney but you should also contact the legal aid office in your area, they can be very helpful in situations like this.
Good luck!
2007-08-26 17:41:00 · answer #2 · answered by Chuck 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take them to small claims court. The court is located within your city government, and will only cost about $14.00 to make the claim (the city will deliver the summons to your landlord so that they must appear in court). This way, you can take your case to a judge. Lawyers are not allowed, so don't worry about that. Your landlord does not want a case against him/her, because that kind of thing seriously affects their license to rent. A lot of landlords make money this way, and you are right, it's not fair. They figure that tenants are going to move (out of city, for example) and not fight outrageous charges. Do not pay the bill. Take them to small claims court. Take anything you can with you: photos, your original contract, etc. This really will work. Good luck.
2007-08-27 11:09:57 · answer #3 · answered by baklavakay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only idea I can think of is ask a lawyer if they can get away with this, or you could just tell them you want it lowered or they will have to take you to court, this way if it is unfair this will scare them into doing it, and the worst that could happen is you would have to pay it, but it sounds to me, that under the curcimstances, they would have to bring in photos proveing that is was this dirty, that it needed this much money to clean, and I find that highley unlikely!
2007-08-26 17:20:32 · answer #4 · answered by leah j 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our cleaning company charged $300.00 to construction clean an entire 4 bedroom 3 bath house including windows.
You ae getting royally screwed; see a lawyer; ask what he would charge to send them a lettr demanding a reduced price. Most lawyers will talk to you for twenty dollars
2007-08-26 21:53:04 · answer #5 · answered by llittle mama 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of management companies have a list of what they will charge you if something is left uncleaned or damaged. Tell them you want an itemized list, detailing all of the charges. They have to give that to you, they can not just throw out an arbitrary dollar amount.
2007-08-26 17:40:22 · answer #6 · answered by TC 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have pictures of the apartment when you moved in, and when you left?
Any damage when you moved in should have been noted on lease, or attached and signed by both you and leasing agent.
Do your new home now!
Did they tell you they charge for cleaning when you move out?
Should have been noted on lease.
Call better business bureau.
2007-08-26 17:17:23 · answer #7 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are screwing you. Better get out the lease agreement to see if they have the right to do this to you, see the smallprint you may have unwittingly agreed to this when you signed up first! let them know your experience as a cleaner and keep it friendly. Aggression will get you nowhere in this situation.
2007-08-26 17:16:34 · answer #8 · answered by She who knows 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter how clean you feel you left the place - there's always 'wear and tear' and things that must be repaired before the next person can rent the place.
2007-08-26 20:39:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You must have lived like pigs. Pay up.
2007-08-27 01:35:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋