Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Landlord sent me a bill after I moved out
The landlord sent me a bill after I moved for carpet cleaning, cleaning the apartment and other miscellaneous items.
The apartment was a disaster when we moved in. Nothing had been cleaned, holes were not patched, and the carpets were at least 6 yrs old, badly stained, and smelled of cat urine before we moved in. He was asked if he was replacing them, he said no because he just spent a lot of money on new cabinets for the kitchen.
When I moved out, he billed me for carpet cleaning and new carpeting, as well as charges for cleaning the apartment (which was cleaner than when we moved in), removal of nails/screws (which were removed), replacement of a light lens (which was not there when we moved in), replacement of smoke detector (which worked TOO well).
Can he hold me responsible for the carpets,charge me for cleaning, make me pay for a light lens that wasn't there and a smoke detector that works?
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Landlord sent me a bill after I moved out
Based on the fact presented, I believe the landlord is improper in assessing the charges you listed. There are many other factors that have to be reviewed under Pennsylvania law.
For example a landlord must notify his tenant within thirty days after termination of the lease of the reasons behind any deductions. The tenant must of course provide a forwarding address. A failure to provide notice within the time provide will allow the tenant the right to sue for double the amount of the security deposit. The landlord can still deduct legitimate charges. This may not apply in your case. However, the landlord can not demand you leave the unit in a better condition than when you arrived. Proof of the condition of the apartment at the time you began the lease must be established by credible evidence.
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