Returning a Security deposit (Tenet perspective)

[150class]

Alright,

Long story short moved out of a rental in May. Spent a ton of time cleaning the place and left it looking great before moving out. Landlord is trying to deduct 500$ saying he had the house professionally cleaned and carpets professionally cleaned also because of drool stains from our dog.

This is 100% bull crap and I’m curious to what my options are? I’ve never had more then 100-150$ withheld from a deposit because I treat any place I live in like my own and follow the rule of “leave a place better than how you found it” to a T.

I’m waiting for the realtor to get back from me but was curious for those who rent or rent out what my options are? Can I request receipts for services? Also tomorrow is the 30 day window for him to have my deposit back to me and he has avoided contact with me for almost 40 days until a freaking email 30 mins ago. 5 calls, 4 text, and a email with no response until the day before my money is expected back.

So for the rant but really do not appreciate the way this has been handled on his end and I am 100% sure this is his way of trying to get a little bit more money out of me.

Edit —> Some more info: Dog is a golden retriever, he also told me he would do a walk through a couple days before the last day of residency to see if everything was up to his standards and he never did. This was possible because we moved out 12 days before the end of our last month (paid the month in full of course).

Thanks

[oktx]

I've never seen a landlord not try to hold something out of the deposit, no matter how clean it is.

[CEO]

We lived in our last apartment 5 years. When we moved out they tried charging us for cleaning, carpet, locks, all kind of randomness. They wanted our $900 deposit plus an extra $900. Wife talked to her attorney at work and turns out most of what they were trying to charge us for had to be changed per code since we had been there so long. He sent a letter and we got our money back.

[150class]

I've never seen a landlord not try to hold something out of the deposit, no matter how clean it is.

That’s what I believe is happening here.

I’ve noticed he hasn’t even put the house back up for rent yet either. Last day of the contract was May 31st, we notified him on March 31st we would not be renewing, moved out officially May 18th.

I’m sure he just wants extra coin sense he hasn’t reposted and there isn’t a new tenet yet.

[150class]

Looks like I can request proof of damages and receipts so sent a email and a text asking for both or the amount will be disputed through Small Claims court.

[armadillophil]

When you move in and out you should walk with landlord and fill out a condition report. Normal wear and tear should not be taken out of security deposit. The tenant does not have to leave property move in ready for next tenant. Good luck

[150class]

When you move in and out you should walk with landlord and fill out a condition report. Normal wear and tear should not be taken out of security deposit. The tenant does not have to leave property move in ready for next tenant. Good luck

Thanks.

He never scheduled a walk through and I requested one before moving out and he said he would do it a couple days before the end of the month. This was memorial weekend I believe and that was the last communication he sent over until the email today.

[CEO]

Looks like I can request proof of damages and receipts

This is what we did. Once we had an itemized list we could see what wasn't our responsibility to replace.

[Burnadell]

Looks like I can request proof of damages and receipts so sent a email and a text asking for both or the amount will be disputed through Small Claims court.

This is the way to handle it!

[150class]

Appreciate the feedback guys.

Just wanted to verify I was making the correct steps.

No response to either yet but we shall see.

[RiverRat1]

Thanks.

He never scheduled a walk through and I requested one before moving out and he said he would do it a couple days before the end of the month. This was memorial weekend I believe and that was the last communication he sent over until the email today.

Hand deliver a detailed letter (also send by e-mail with read receipt). Send a text saying you dropped off the letter and also sent by e-mail.

Make sure you include proof he said he would do a walkthrough and did not. Attach proof of the date you gave notice etc.

Tell him he has "x" days to give the deposit back or you file.

If you show you REALLY will go the extra mile to sue there's a good chance he pays you. The letter basically should have the proof needed to win in small claims court.

[Brown County Man]

i would say send a certified letter to him. That way you have a paper trail.

[nativeaustin]

I got a bill once for the oven being dirty and I never even used the oven.

[TxAg]

It's not fair, but I bet you never see that $500 again

[SmTx]

I got a bill once for the oven being dirty and I never even used the oven.

Reminds me of a house I lived in in college. I moved in after a friend had lived there. She was charged for broken blinds at move out. Blinds were never fixed. I was charged for broken blinds at move out