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Tenant Liability when Moving Out 

Matt
Matt
Posts: 1


Posted On: 1/25/2018
Matt
Matt
Posts: 1
Hi there,
not sure if someone can help here but I a question in regards to what my liability is as a tenant.


A few months ago our landlord notified us they were going to move back into their apartment and they would need us to move out. (They sold their new apartment - we checked)


We moved out 1 month before we had to and also didn’t claim one month’s rent as we would be entitled to.


The landlord now tries to make us pay for substantial renovations. They sent us images and a list of items they thought we should be responsible for.


Some of those items I agree with, however it seems a little bit excessive.


  • Hardwood Floor had some dwelling (not sure how this would have happened as we had carpet all around) - Possible caused by hanging laundry (the complex does not allow for drying on the balcony)
  • Some holes & nails for pictures, some tape we didn’t rip off
  • Microwave was really dirty
  • Some other minor things


So I agree with some of these items, especially the Microwave. We have very busy lives and we tried our best to accommodate the landlord so they could move in an entire month earlier than they wanted.
We offered to come back and clean it. In regards to flooring - sure I’ll pay for repairs.


They now came back with costs (after they fixed everything).
$4500 … wow ($3500 Floor; rest for paint, cleaning etc.)


They painted EVERYTHING and replaced the entire hardwood floor with a newer and better floor.


Should I have to pay for all this? Im willing to pay a reasonable amount for repairs but this just seems highly excessive. I will definitely claim my one month rent now to get it down to $2850 (rent: $1650)
but I still feel this is too much for a COMPLETE renovation.


I’m willing to offer them a flat amount of $1000 and would call it even - Though Im worried they would try to get a debt agency involved. we’ll be looking into getting mortgage soon and I don’t want negative credit.


Thanks for any advice!


Matt
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4063


Posted On: 1/25/2018
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4063
Hello Matt,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be very concerned about this situation.

It may be best for you to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for some legal advice as soon as possible.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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