Do I have to pay the landlord unreasonable damages after moving out?

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Do I have to pay the landlord unreasonable damages after moving out?

My landlord is charging me too much for the damages. I lived in the apartment for 2 years the apartment was not in great shape to begin with, no move in inspection was done that time. Now they are trying to charge to put in new carpet and other damages caused because of the water leak which the could not fix.

Asked on February 7, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

After move out, if you believe that your former landlord is trying to charge you unreasonable damages after move out, you are  under no obligation to pay the demanded amount. In fact, typically the replacement of aged carpet by the landlord after move out is a cost absorbed by the landlord as part of the cost of doing business since carpets and rugs are a declining asset that are depreciated for tax purposes in most cases of rentals.

The only exception where the tenant would be repsonsible for taking care of the damage to a carpet in the rental is when the tenant actually causes the damage such as paint or bleach stains.


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