Security Deposit for Apartment?

Question

Hi
I am moving out of my current apartment for which i paid $700 deposit when i first started living there. I dont see anything in the lease that says the $250 will be taken out of my deposit for painting and carpet cleaning when i leave.
Now, the manager tells me that it will cost $250 from my deposit to get those done.
However, I did smoke in the apartment and he could probably tell and he would charge me painting coz the walls might be slightly yellow from the smoke.
Also, there are tiny stains on the carpet, but just regular wear and tear.
I dont have the time or money to take him to small claims, and it will probably cost me more to take him to small claims.
What do you guys recommend?

Answer 1

I recommend paying the $250 and remaining quiet. If the walls are discolored from smoking, the landlord has a right to charge you to repaint to return the unit into the condition it was in when you took occupancy.

Contrary to popular belief, stains of ANY type on a carpet are not 'normal wear and tear'. That these stains occurred during what you consider normal life in the unit doesn't qualify them under normal wear and tear.

$250 is a steal for what you need to have done.

Answer 2

Stains are not normal wear and tear. If the walls have to be painted because they are yellow from smoking and he can charge you for the paint and the labor to put it on. Be glad he is only charging you $250.