I broke lease since iw as getting married and was moving in to his apt. They said they'd send a check w/deposit if any was left. They then just now sent a bill for over 1600. They charged 1000 for the carpet which had dmg but it was damaged when I moved in (not as bad but still they would have had to replace) among other things. Can they even do that? I paid 700 when i broke lease and 350 sec deposit. I live in Fla if it makes a difference.
2007-09-01 04:59:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
also it wasn't a nice apt it was low budget housing and the carpet was low low low quality already w/stains-really bad ones (in some places candle wax)
2007-09-01 05:04:19 · update #1
i left w/a few months left and it was 715 a month
2007-09-01 07:13:41 · update #2
Yes, they can send you a bill for what damage they thought you did. Do you have anything to document the fact that the carpet was damaged when you moved in?
You mentioned it was low income housing. What was your monthly rent? How long did you have left on the lease?
2007-09-01 05:40:06 · answer #1 · answered by Princess Leia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you did all the damage to the carpet, they could only charge you the depreciated value of the carpet, not the full replacement value. Do you have any idea how old the carpet was? Cheap grade carpet that they typically put in rental units is only good for about 4 or 5 years.
Definitely dispute the bill. If you have any kind of papertrail of an initial inspection and the condition of the apartment when you left you would be in a better position to fight the charges.
2007-09-01 05:38:29 · answer #2 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you take pictures of the apartment before you moved in? Did you make a list of all of the problems with the apartment when you moved in?
If so, then you have proof that the carpet was already damaged. Even with proof, you may have a tough time getting them to recind that $1,600 bill.
Check and see if you have a tenants union in your area. Of if you can afford it, call a lawyer.
You always want to make sure you document things when you move into a new place - take pictures - make a list - even make a video. And keep it for several years after you move out. Otherwise, you are at the landlord's mercy (and most don't even know the meaning of the word).
If you don't have proof, you are out of luck.
2007-09-01 05:50:03 · answer #3 · answered by Hatlady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This issue needs to be handled, do not ignore it. First of all, did you complete the standard form they give out at the beginning of the lease where you write down all the problems with the apartment so you aren't charged? You should have a copy of that form with your signature and the apartment manager's signature. Is the carpet mentioned on that form?
Secondly, did you take any pictures of the "before" you moved in and "after you moved out?" Send them to the property manager.
Thirdly, request a copy of the condition report they gave the tenant before you moved in. It may show that they charged the guy before you for damage to the carpeting and now they are trying to charge you for the same damage - which is fraud on their part. If they are legit, they will have the form. If they aren't, they will have claim to have lost the form.
If you can't come to an agreement with the property manage, tell them to take you to small claims and give your story to a judge. They have 1 year to take you to small claims - if they fail to do that, you're home free. They cannot damage your credit report if their is no judgement against you. If they do try to put something on your credit report, you can sue them in small claims.
2007-09-01 05:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by mukwonago53149 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it may be possible. You broke the lease but stated you paid to get out of it right? Did you make note on the move in form that the carpet was not in good condition? Where is the total of $1600.00 coming from? You should contact them right away in writing to dispute the bill prior to going to collections. Keep a copy and if all else fails ask them to split with you at 50% of the bill. Make payments if you have to. DO NOT LET THIS GO ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT OR YOU WILL NOT RENT AGAIN EASILY. They should work with you!
2007-09-01 05:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by amy a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can do it. And they will expect payment. Did you document the damage when you moved in? If not, then they will assume you did it and can charge you for it.
2007-09-01 05:08:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋