Chosen by Asker

The first answer is obviously a cop out. First of all in the future, try and get someone (other than the landlord or manger) to walk through the rental property with you at the time you first examine it for defects. Secondly,make a list of the defects you find and have it put in writing for the landlord/manager to sign and acknowledge, or fix. Try to get the same person (if available) to be with you on the walk through when you leave/move out, as well. First you want to check the internet or phone book to see if their is a local tenants rights committee, or agency, in your area. They may be able to assist you with paper work and provide you with more information than we can here. Now in order to bring a claim to the amount you have been overcharged, you should probably go to a service representative of rental properties and ask if you could speak to their repairman, or find someone who has been doing the kind of repairs you have been billed for (building employed handyman). Then get them to write you an estimate of the price it would normally cost for the repairs and then take it to small claims court with you. She doe have the right to charge for repairs, but often (and in the current economy) managers landlords will often inflate charges so they can retain the money that they've been holding all along. When I moved out of the apartment I'd been living at for 6 years the manager bilked me with over inflated fees for B.S. stuff that probably cost half (if that) as much as was listed on the cost receipt. However, I'd moved across the country and the amount was not sufficient enough to take any action other than to curse him and his lineage for all of eternity. Let's hope the "eye of newt" worked! Good luck with your case. Hopefully you won't have to resort to black magic! =O)

by May the Shwartz Be with You!

4 weeks ago

Asker's Rating: 

different laws for different states. No one can give you an accurate answer without knowing what state you rented the house in.

by rafferty- 4 weeks ago

Take her to small claims court. If she has proof of damages and a detailed list of repair costs, then you will have to pay. Did she give back the $400?

by ~*Mama-of-Two*~- 4 weeks ago

She can't charge you for normal wear and tear on the apt. Sounds like a bad landlord and you'll have to take her to court. It is up to her to prove damages and if you win she will also have to pay court costs. A hole caused by a doorknob means there was no doorstop which is her fault, not yours.

by Peter- 4 weeks ago

Take her to small claims if you don't agree with her charges. Then, she will have to produce proof.

by My Take on It- 4 weeks ago