Landlord Question and Answer Forum

My tenants moved out 2 months early (which I agreed to allow, they were buying a house). They didn't do any cleaning after move out. The floors were dirty, tub, appliances, etc, had to be cleaned. Multiple light bulbs where burnt out (Cost me $65.00 to replace all light bulbs...states in lease they are to replace these upon move out) Damage to paint/drywall, broken bathroom tile, refrigerator door has dent in it. I was thinking of waiving all above listed items/fees, except for the charge of below item. Fan blades, which were damaged (this is a discontinued model, can't get new blades, purchase a fan equivalent to or below what's there now. I have found one for $95.00 .. this is below what I have). Two garage door openers they failed to return when moving out, I even gave them a extra week to mail them to me and they didn't. So I purchased new ones and gave them to new tenant (charging for those replacements $75.00). I have receipt for both items I'm charging for and I have listed all the items I am willing to waive. Does this agreement seem fair, tenants are mad about me charging for garage door openers, since they returned them a week later (after I bought and gave new ones to now tenant)?

Yes that is more than fair but in order to make it stick you will need to send them proof, receipts and an itemized deduction within the amount of time required in your state. If the tenants do not agree this can be settled in small claims court.

Posted by Richard W, PA on Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Ok, thank you. I have already sent that information to them with the deducted amount and receipts.I sent all the paperwork and personal check for the remaining deposit by certified mail with signature required, they received it yesterday.

Posted by Eric and/or Shonda W, KY on Tuesday, October 18, 2016