Can my former landlord charge me for things after we did a move-out inspection and signed off on it?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can my former landlord charge me for things after we did a move-out inspection and signed off on it?
I recently did a move-out inspection with my landlord. She noted that some light bulbs need replacing and some touch up paint was needed on some of the walls. She gave us a sign inspection stating what needed to be fixed. Keep in mind the house was empty and we moved all of our belongings out prior to this inspection. 2 days after the inspection she emails us and saying there are all these problems with the carpet and refrigerator and she is going to charge us for these problems. I’m pretty sure she cannot charge us for these issues. We have a signed document stating everything was fine except normal wear and tear.
Asked on June 30, 2015 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Legally, she may charge you for any damage, beyond normal wear and tear, which she discovers you (or your family, guests, pets, etc.) did to the unit, even if such was not found during the walk-through or move out inspection, and even if there was a signed document indicating everything was ok. For example, if some damage was discoved later, the landlord may seek to charge you for it. Practically, however, it may be very difficult to do so: if you refuse to pay, she'd have to sue you for the money; or if she withholds it from your security deposit, you could sue her for its return; in either event, in court, she'd have to prove that the damage existed and was done by you, and the signed document and the fact that she did not cite you for� the damage earlier would be powerful evidence that the damage did not exist and/or was not done by you.
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.