Legal Question in Consumer Law in Ohio

Apartment Leasing Office held back deposit

I recently moved out of a rental apartment. A weeklater the leasing center sent a letter stating they held back deposit of $150.00 claiming that the kitchen counter top was scratched. I went back to them saying the counter top was scratched when we moved in and it was notified on the Move-In Inspection sheet. Apparently the leasing center has lost my inspection sheet and I was not given a copy either. So I claimed that they should look into my inspection sheet wherein I had mentioned about the damaged counter top but they did not replace it at that time. But they said that since I dont have a copy of this sheet, they cant accept my claims. When i moved in I didnt know that I am supposed to receive a copy of the inspection sheet and hence I submitted my copy to them and they forgot to return a copy to me with lease agreement. Please help, I am about to loose my 150$ for unfair business practice.


Asked on 10/27/04, 2:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Apartment Leasing Office held back deposit

Even though there is no physical evidence of the check in sheet, you can still testify that the counter was already scratched. This means that you need to sue the landlord for what he wrongfully kept. Many problems in this area in finding the right entity or person to sue. But if you are successful you get two times what he wrongfully withheld. Also, if you hire an attorney and he wins for you he gets to collect from the landlord his atty fees....

You can call me directly if you like:

Joe Jacobs

216-952-1990

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Answered on 10/28/04, 1:33 pm


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