Rental Company Blues

[collindow]

I recently moved out of the house I'd been living in. 1 grand security deposit, we cleaned the house well...expected probably 650 or 7 back.

So, we wait a month for final accounting and our check. And when we get the final accounting, we find out that they trying to charge us an additional 361 dollars and change. We disputed this, with a certified letter (which they refused to acknowledge until the DAY that I said I was going to file suit) and gave us "evidence." Pictures of the stack of firewood prior tenants had left...carpet that was dirtier than when we moved out, and of the fireplace that they had hooked up incorrectly.

Any of you guys have any tips on how to keep these bastards from stealing all of my and my roommates' money? Thanks!

 

[pstlpkr]

Call the local District Attorney and ask their opinion.

They will generally call the one's being inquired about and ask their side of the story and your problem will generally go away... Just make sure that you have your ducks in a row before you make the call.

 

[markw4mms]

Wow, sorry to hear you're having problems with your landlord. I wish I had some answers for you, but all I can say is good luck, and I hope you get this resolved.

 

[schmitzbitz]

Although I haven't been the tenant in ages, as a (not bastard) land-lord, I got into the habit of photographing everything - and encouraged my tenants to do the same, both prior to their moving in, and after they had finished cleaning. This way everyone is protected.
Of course, hindsight is always 20/20...and in your situation, its going to come down to hearsay, you vs. the landlord. Before I persued anything too much further, I would weigh the cost of your time and any court fees against the possible $400ish you could get back, especially if you need to seek the assistance of a lawyer - I bill out at $150/h, as do most of my peers, and although I wouldn't expect a dime until your case had been won, you would come out so in the red it wouldn't be funny.

 

[collindow]

Thanks everyone.

 

[romeowood]

This Lawsuit is WORTHLESS without PICTURES! (for Hobie)

Good Luck Collin

 

[judcole]

Good luck on getting this straightened out.