Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Charges to security deposit unfair
Our landlord is trying to charge us $1500.00 to repair a linoleum floor that our dogs put a hole in. We admitted to being responsible for the damage and admitted that the entire floor would need to be repaired. The linoleum in the aparment was cheap and got dings in it from our dogs' toenails. They sent us a very undetailed description in which it just says...repair to floor - $1500.00. We feel they went out and bought the most expensive floor covering they could and are now charging us for it. Isn't there some sort of law that says they can only charge us for what a comparable type of floor covering would cost. We had estimates for half of the amount but our lease strictly states we are not allowed to perform the repairs and that they must do all repairs. Therefore, we had to let them repair the place but they are obviously bettering the property at our expense. We have already sent a letter asking for a more detailed list so we know what brand they used and we can research the brand used. Still, Is there anything else we should know? Can they get the most expensive kind and charge us?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Charges to security deposit unfair
Landlord use this type of damage all of the time to replace used flooring at your expense. This is a very common practice, it is not illegal per se but somewhat unethical. I think a strong negotiation letter from you to your landlord could make an argument to have the cost reduceded to a "reasonable amount" this is possibly done between you and your landlord directly. Some management companies are reasonable. If you want to retain counsel that may show them you are not backing down easily.
My firm would be willing to write a few letters and make some calls at a reasonable rate if you are not succesful doing this yourself.
Sincerely,
Brandon Barnett, Esq.
412-916-1677
www.youresquire.net
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