Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Security Deposits
I signed a lease with a previous owner. In that lease it is stated that there was a deposit for garage door openers. The building was sold and the new owner refuses to pay the deposit even though the openers were returned. Also they are charging me for carpet cleaning even though i lived in the same apt. for 7 years and the carpet was never replaced. Are there any recourses to get my money back? The amopunt charged for the cleaning was $50. and 3 remotes at $37 each.
Thank you
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Security Deposits
Any deposit that you gave to the previous owner should have been transferred to the new owner, and he is required by California statute to return the deposit that secured the items in question.
Regarding the carpeting, you are obligated to return the property in the same condition in which you received it, other than normal wear and tear. If the carpet was clean when you moved in, it should be clean when you move out. $50 does not sound unreasonable for carpet cleaning.