Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Pet fee

Can you get back a Pet Fee? If there was no damage to

the property? We were unaware that it was non refundable.

And is a landlord allowed to enter your home when you

are on vacation, empty your contents out of cuboards,

and throw them in the trash so he can place new knobs?

He asked to come over to do work other than what he did.

Also, can a landlord charge you out of your deposite,

for mowing the yard after you moved out? and also for

26 light bulbs? I don't know what he could legally

charge me for. What would be normal wear and tear?

Thanks,

Michael


Asked on 10/14/05, 12:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Pet fee

Interesting question. I can sort out what the statute says for you, but I can't say for sure without reading your contract.

"Fees" are not refundable; "Deposits" are refundable. Look at your contract, see what it says.

Landlords have absolutely no right of entry without 48-hours notice to you. The problem for you is going to be proving what happened.

RCW 59.18.280 is the statute about returning deposits. This question is often the subject of litigation in small claims court.

The light fixtures belong to him, and the landlord has no right to charge you for light bulbs.

Here's my best example of normal wear and tear: If the carpet gets a little matted where you walk through the room, that's normal wear and tear. If you spill a bottle of ink on the carpet that is not normal wear and tear. Hope this helps. Elizabeth

Read more
Answered on 10/14/05, 11:03 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Washington