Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Connecticut

Security Deposit Deduction for Slowly Draining Pipes?

Upon moving out of my apartment I was informed by the landords that I would recieve my whole security deposit back as the place was in great condition. However, they have now decided to deduct $400 for cleaning the bathroom pipes.

They claim that the bathroom sink and tub did not drain. They did drain slowly the whole time I was there, but they did drain! I had told them about this, but they said they know, and its not big deal (it didn't seem like a big deal to me since they did drain, and clearly drained well enough for me to keep the bathroom in ''great condition''). They then charged me for $400 to get the pipes snaked!

Can they charge me for this? It seems to me that this is general house maintaince in an old house, not something caused by my negligence. They never made any attempt to clean the pipes before I moved in nor during the two years I was there.

Thanks


Asked on 9/20/04, 11:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Mason The Legal Resource Center

Re: Security Deposit Deduction for Slowly Draining Pipes?

I recommend you get a copy of a book titled Tenants Rights by

Nolo

Press the leading publisher of self help law books. It's one of the best

books for the general public that I've seen covering tenants rights in

in an easy to read and understand format. It discusses security deposits and your legal rights regarding the return of your deposit. If you

want to know what your legal rights are as an tenant then this is the book

I recommend. It can also help you determine whether this

is worth pursuing or not. Given the amount in dispute it may be not be cost effective to retain local counsel for assistance in this matter. If you would like more information on this book it can be found here:

http://www.affordablelegalsolutions.com/Landlord-Tenant.htm

(copy and paste in browser window)

Good luck getting this issue resolved

Read more
Answered on 9/20/04, 1:59 pm


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