security deposit ?

Question

I lived in my old apt. for 6 years. I recently moved out due to someone bringing in cockroaches.
Anyways I fixed up that apartment so much I put in so much money into it. I have gone through 3 owners. The 3rd ownder wont give me my security deposit back. He's trying to say that all carpets were stained (only 1) hardwood floor needs to be redone. Well I redid floor does need to be restained, but who cares. When I first moved in I was getting slivers in my feet left & right.
he also said apt. smelled rotten. I cleaned that apt. I even re painted all the bedrooms. So the apt smelled like paint & bombs cuz I bomed all my stuff so I wouldnt take roaches w/me.
If I wouldnt of contacted him about my security deposit on 30 day im not sure if he would have wrote.
The only thing I should be held responsable for is the rug one stain my kids did w/iron & the door kids wrote on.
My point is he is 3rd owner he dont know condition of apt when I moved in. I need my deposit back for bills

I also have message saved from a month ago on my answering machine stateing that i can use shed rent free for 2 months since I have done so much for him. Meaning I have done all kinds work on my apt & other work on the building.
I dont have money for a lawyer I am single mom w/4 kids.
Thanks

Answer 1

You need to read landlord tenant laws where you live. Check you original agreement you signed. Most states you will only be made to pay for damages that exceed normal wear and tear!! And after six years if they did not paint or clean their rugs and stain their floors i would assume everything you have described is normal wear and tear! You may have to take him to small claims court. Do you have pictures? Make the threat to him and see if he will pay... if not take the next step and file a suit!!

Answer 2

Contact a renters assistance or renters aid group in your area.
First, you should have the inspection from when you moved in. It will list the condition at move in. You are only responsible for damage (less normal wear and tear) caused by you. If the floors were worn before move in, he should not charge you for them. Additionally, many states have standards on the depreciation of carpets. Here in Washington a carpet in a rental unit is given a five year life span.