Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington
Security Deposit Withheld
Hello- I moved into an apt and gave a fully refundable $350 Security Deposit. After a few months, I noticed that there was some black soot that was appearing on the carpet and appeared to from an old wood fireplace that was converted into an electric fireplace, I notified my landlord and he told me to worry about it. After I gave notice and we did a walkthrough, he again told me to not worry about it and he would find out what needed to be done. After 14 days, I received a check for $42 with an explanation that it costs him $107 in supplies and 10 hours of work @ $20 an hour (he did the work himself)... Do I have any avenue in getting anything from my security deposit?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Security Deposit Withheld
You can take him to small claims. Sue him for twice the deposit. Make him explain exactly what that $107 in supplies was for, and justify paying himself $20 per hour to clean something he all ready agreed was not your issue. If he'd spent $107 there should be an invoice for $107. I bet there was not.
It would be better to have given him written notice of the soot spot, but that isn't fatal to your case.
You need to read RCW 59 18 260, 270 and 280. Those are the statutes on damage deposits.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell
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