Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
waiting for security deposit back - got a bill
I recently moved out of an appartment in Montgomery county PA. Fifteen days after moving out I got a bill from the Appartment manager which itemized several things for repair. One was an old (8 yrs) refrigerator which was quoted at $400 to replace. All it needed was a good cleaning, and one of the shelves was cracked. Two cabinate doors fell off in the kitchen (lost screws), but the landord is asking $1035 for replacement for the entire set. There were other damages where the landlord was asking for replacements when the appliances were working properly, but had minor cosmetic damage. QUESTION: Should I have to pay for complete replacements of equipment, or just repair/cleaning costs?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: waiting for security deposit back - got a bill
To add to what Atty. Kelly said, if you're responsible for replacement, it would be the value of the item WHEN YOU MOVED IN, minus normal wear and tear. So, in other words, if the refrigerator new cost $400, but it was in only fair condition when you moved in, say with a value of $200, and, through age (not other kinds of damage) its value would now be $150, you'd be responsible for the $150.
Re: waiting for security deposit back - got a bill
I am assuming the LL is holding a security deposit. Are they stating the repairs as a way to keep the entire deposit or are the threatening to sue you for more (they can).
The landlord is entitled to whatever he can prove in the way of damages. If repair and replacement is all that is needed, that is all they are entitled to. Alternatively, if they can prove the item needs to be replaced or replacing it is the most cost effective means then that iswhat they will get.
Seems like they are being excessive. You will have to decide what the best course of action is, let them have your deposit or fight. If they keep your deposit and sue you for more, you will have no choice but to defend.
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