Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Deposit Coverage

Can a landlord charge more than the deposit for ''damages'' and if so how much? We are talking two, four inch holes in the drywall and a dirty carpet. She is charging me my 695$ deposit + 230$ extra.


Asked on 11/23/07, 10:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

Re: Deposit Coverage

Absolutely!!!

Damages are damages, and you owe. However, landlord must submit invoices and the repairs cannot exceed the ordinary prevailing rate in your area. If you think charges are excessive, run it by several drywall businesses in your area to check the reasonableness of the charges.

Also, as to carpet cleaning, the first question is whether it was dirtier when you moved out than when you moved in. If so, you owe for reasonable carpet cleaning, again subject to what I described above. You do not owe for ordinary wear and tear.

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Answered on 11/24/07, 12:10 pm


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