The Grass Doctor

My landlord is a b*tch?

When I moved into this house they had put in brand new carpet tile and paint. In order for me to get my deposit back she has this ridiculous clean up list. I have 4 children and there is going to be normal wear and tear on the house. She is demanding that I have the carpets and walls "professionally" cleaned this weekend. I'm not moving until the 30th and was planning on doing that right before I moved out so my kids don't mess it up again. She has a bad track record with previous tenants that just bailed on the lease because she is such a B. I have always paid on time or early and taken very good care of the house. i even brought the dead lawn back at my expense! So I guess my question is do I have to bend over and take it up the a** and do what she says or just wait until right before I move out to do my clean up? I want my $1200 deposit back, but have a feeling she isn't going to give it to us.

Public Comments

1. You could just clean it yourself thoroughly; make it look acceptable (as in sparkling new) and claim that you had it professionally cleaned. If she's still trying to cheat you, I guess you could sue her :]
2. I would do her list.. as long as you are both on the same page that you will get your full security deposit back! Have her put that in writing that once you full-fill your end of the contract that she will return the funds.. be with her when she walks through the place.. have this written agreement notarized!
3. No u have to go through her list and complete what she asks for, and yes u do have to get it professionally cleaned, and you have to get the receipt to proove it or she wont gve ur cash back, u should book the cleaner now, normally you should vacate a few days before your lease expires to give yourself the oportunity to get things done if the landlord requires, ie: cover ur ath. U dont want to give her any excuse to retain ur money. sorry thats how it is
4. Normal wear & tear would depend on how long you've lived there. If you've only lived there 3-6 months, then yes, I'd expect the tile and carpet to be perfect. However, if you've lived there for 5-6 years, then the new tile and carpet is not going to be perfect, but should be clean and acceptable for being 5-6 years old. Do things as you would for leaving any other rental property. When you turn over your keys and have your final walk-through make it picture perfect. Be sure to take pictures! If she fails to return your full deposit and does not give an explanation as to why, file a smalls claim lawsuit against her.
5. Having carpets professionally cleaned is standard. You can wash the walls yourself.
6. If you completely clean it and it is move in ready before you leave it does not matter which day you do it. Just make sure you clean everything, the ceiling, light fixtures, walls, floors, inside every drawer and cabinet, inside and outside every appliance and wash the windows. If she has to pay anyone to do any of this it is deducted from your deposit. Wear and tear does not matter how many people you had, with new carpets there should not be anything noticeable for at least 5 years.
7. The reason most landlords have a bad reputation is because too many renters don't fight back. You do not have to hire a professional cleaner. What you need to do is restore the unit to the same condition as when you rented it. There is a difference between wear and tear and damages. If you damaged or stained, it's a problem and you should probably get a pro. If it's just dirty, rent a cleaner and do it yourself. Take a ton of photos, especially the walls and carpets. Try to get her to do a walk through with you and I would have a third party present. Get her issues in writing. You do not have to go beyond the condition in which it was given to you. You don't mention what state you live in. Go to http://www.rentlaw.com and look to see what her obligations are to you as far as security deposits go. Most states require that the landlord contact you within a specified time period and must show proof of your security deposit expenses. After the time expires, send a certified demand letter and stress that she is violation and you will seek legal advice if she does not return your money. Give her 7 business days to respond, then see a lawyer. Some states will remedy the situation by awarding three times the deposit and legal fees, it's worth the fight.