[O-cha]

Originally Posted by bga23

I suspect this varies from state to state. My issue took place in Colorado and I believe the landlord did have to provide paid invoices. And I think most states are typically pretty tenant-friendly.

Maybe because that was his record of damages in lieu of other evidence.

[Uber V8]

Maybe it's just really bad out here in Southern California.

Either way, I'm looking forward to the end of a rental lease now!

[FFM]

I've had a few give us all our money back and then others that straight up robbed us. Last place they took $800 out of the $1800 deposit and the house was in better shape when we left than moved in. Had pics and everything but unless you want to take time out of your day to go to claims court your gonna eat it.

Threatening to go to court is your best option. Most managements understand that generally a judge favors the tenant since they as a manager should know the regulations. We didn't get out deposit back within 14 days per state law, could have had it all back. But my wife and I losing a days wage to be in court isn't worth it.

[3_runner]

I've only kept one deposit from a tenant because he trashed the place. Every other tenant has received there deposit back with interest. Cheer up bud, we all don't rob tenants.

[bmiller085]

Originally Posted by Templar

There are two bug screens that pulled out on the patio from the wind. A 30 minute repair at most. I will fill the 8 holes in the walls that I drilled to hang curtains and I'll paint over them. I'll also touch up the walls from any scuffs or anything I may have made.

I will fix it because I am a good tenant, I occupied the house while it happened, AND I don't want any reason for him to not give me back my full deposit, no matter how small the damage may be. It's more of a CYA thing... I'm just doing it so I don't lose more at the end. In my experience, they are very good at charging you way more than necessary for minor repairs (like holes in the wall from pictures).

I guarantee if I left it as is, most landlords (maybe even this guy) would charge at least $500 for all of it. You must have had some pretty cool landlords to let you leave a place like that and not pay for it.

No I definitely agree with you in being a good tenant. I currently rent a home and also own a home that I rent out to tenants. So, I have experience on both sides. However, anything that needs to be repaired in and around the house that the tenants do not break themselves, I pay for those repairs. That is the responsibility of the landlord/owner, not the tenant. I would never make my tenants pay for the AC breaking or the refrigerator failing or whatever else. But they would need to pay for damages to walls, etc.

I take very good care of the home that I rent but my landlord definitely needs to pay for items that belong to the house - I don't own those things nor would I pay for them as a tenant.

Hopefully you have some better experiences in the future, than the ones it sounds like you've had :-/