Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington
Landlord and the deposit
Recently moved away from a house, lived in for 3 years. When I 1st entered the house the carpets were new, no walk through chklist completed. I was allowed to have a cat I was also housing the cats of the lndlrds daughter. When I moved I contacted the lndlrd notifying that I had moved on 9/14. The lndlrd called to acknowledge that move then made a Mo-Mo agreement with rmate along with 2 others. 10/7, the lndlrd came by the house. She called to tell me the house was trashed and the carpet needed to be replaced due to pet stains and a linoleum area in front of the front door (high traffic area)needed to be replaced. I paid to have the carpets professionally cleaned and the carpets look great and have done nothing with the linoleum as I fell that this is ''Normal Wear and Teear''. I have contacted the lndlrd several x's about my deposit and after the 3rd phone call she finally called me back saying that she didn't know about the deposit and we would have to negotiate how much I am to get back. It is now the 20th and I have yet to hear anything from the lndlrd about my deposit. I would also like to know if she can sue me for the condition of the carpet even though she has already moved new tenants into the house.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Landlord and the deposit
This is precisely why the landlord is required to make a check list detailing the condition of the interior of the house before the tenancy commences. Go look up RCW 59.18.260, .270 and .280.
The Short answer: File in small claims for return of your deposit. You can ask for 2x the deposit plus your costs - the filing fee and cost of service.
Stop calling her. There is no point in attempting to have a reasonable conversation with someone who is intent on retaining your deposit.
She's messed up, over and over. She hasn't been damaged if new tenants moved in - she hasn't lost any money.
Have fun in small claims. If you need help, you can email me off list. Powell
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