Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
i gave 1000.00 security deposit. i lived there over 5 years. i cleaned the place immaculate including steam cleanings rugs trash removal ect... my landlord sent me a certified packet of over 4000.00 in damages mostly new carpets 3900.00 and painting 1000.00 then a whole bunch of reciepts for cleaning products and spray paint i thought carpets and paining was wear and tear. i really expected to get my security deposit back. the place was cleaner when i left than went i came and i lived there over 5 years . i got the letter exactly on the 30th day after i had called him several times during the month what should i do thank you fot your time
1 Answer from Attorneys
Painting unless he can show that you damaged the place or painted a different color, is usually normal wear and tear. If the carpets were not stained by you and simply wore out over time, that is normal wear and tear.
Send the landlord a certified letter stating that his deductions violate the law that the carpets are more than 5 years old and if they needed to be replaced it was because of normal wear and tear. Same for painting. Make the demand pursuant to MGL c 93A, and indicate if you do not get your security deposit back you will file suit and seek treble damages and attorneys fees.
Good Luck.
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