Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

landlord is charging huge cleaning charges and no clear description is given

I moved out of an apartment on Nov'18'02. We gave the

apartment in good condition.

I received a notice asking me

to pay the following charges due. They kept my $500

security deposite and asked for another $239.02.

The charges mentioned were:

1. rental income $72 : No reason given.

This was incorrect as we paid the exact amount as was

mentioned on our move-out form.

2. Final water bill $66.35 : We are ready to pay this.

3. Painting $91.67 :

And they did not even clarify about what was painted.

4. Heavy Clean $220 :

We could not understand what it was. Nothing is mentioned

about what was cleaned.

5. Kitchen and Entry $289 : No clarifications given.

So they are charging $672.67 extra.

Furthermore they came to us through a collection agency

They asked us to pay the debt of $239.02 immediately and warned us that they will report to the credit bureau if we didn't do so. We wrote them a letter to investigate the matter and find out the legitimacy of the debt. They replied saying that the debt was valid and we have to pay or suffer spoiled credit.

Now I am at a loss what to do about it. Please advise me

what can I do to go against them and get my money back.


Asked on 2/28/03, 11:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Tenner Law Office of Alvin G. Tenner

Re: landlord is charging huge cleaning charges and no clear description is given

This is a rip-off. Tell the landlord you will not pay except for the water bill and if they notify the credit bureau, you will sue. If theysue you in small claims court, go there and fight.

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Answered on 3/01/03, 12:57 pm


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