Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
landlord/tenant/security deposit
i recently moved out of an apartment i only lived in for four months. i had no lease, only month to month rental. my deposit was $600. my landlord charged me for tape/paint/painting, carpet cleaning, and washing windows/stove for an amount totaling $318.80. I received $281.20 back. this seems excessive to me. I also did not receive anything until 10 days beyond the 21 day requirement. i did not receive a move-in walk through or the requested move-out walk through. do i have any recourse to get any more money back? i have not cashed the check yet either.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: landlord/tenant/security deposit
I agree with Mr. Cohen.
Take the landlord to small claims court, although the judge is not likely to give you much for the 10 day delay.
Go get the cheap miser!
Re: landlord/tenant/security deposit
You might cash the check, but endorse it as follows "Without prejudice," or "Without waiving right to receive more," or something that leaves the door open. Then, if you can't work it out with the landlord, go to small claims court. Given that you only lived there 4 months, charging for washing windows is ridiculous, unless you smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day. Painting the walls is also ridiculous unless you are a graffitti artist and used the walls as your canvas.