What to do if my former tenant is demanding return of their security deposit but there were damages?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if my former tenant is demanding return of their security deposit but there were damages?
Tenant has recently moved out and upon doing a walk-through, there is alot of damage to townhome. I sent him a letter stating I would not return the security deposit due to damage to walls and carpet (the walls and carpets were streaked w/black soot from burning incense, candles and not replacing filter in furnace which he was supposed to do). He sent a letter back that the damage falls under normal wear and tear, which I know it does not. In his letter it states tht I need to return his deposit within 8 days of letter. Do I need to respond to this letter at all?
Asked on July 2, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If your notice (the letter you sent) to the tenant *itemized* the damage and the cost to repair/replace each line item, totalled that sum, then showed mathematically that the deposit was used up by these items--in addition to stating verbally that the deposit would not be returned for damage--then you should not have to respond. If the tenant believes you wrongfully withheld his deposit, he can attempt to sue you (e.g. in small claims court) and you can defend your action by showing evidence (photos; quotes, estimates, or proposals to repair; bills and receipts for materials and labor) that proves that you were justified.
If you have not yet itemized the damage as above, including the costs to repair/replace, then do so in your response. Make sure that the cost for materials and *outside* labor to correct the conditions equals or exceeds the deposit, if you are withholding the whole deposit--damage or conditions that, although distressing, do not require much in the way of out-of-pocket costs to correct will not justify withholding a deposit.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.