I think the real test is if you give their deposit back. I’ve never gotten my deposit back without a fight, even after cleaning the apartment top-to-bottom. That’s why I always take photos before leaving.
This happened to me once. They sent a guy to check my place out, he said “Looks good, you’ll get your security deposit back.” Then months went by. Well unfortunately for them my BIL is a real estate lawyer and he was happy to draw up a packet of documents I could take to small claims court. I had to serve them about 3 times, each time the cost of serving them got tacked on. They didn’t show so I won by default so now the real work begang, collecting. They FINALLY paid it but I said, “You need to add the cost of serving you to it.” so they drew up a new check. Yup, a pain in the ass.
Other landlords have different policies, but personally, what I return depends on if things are damaged not caused by wear and tear. So that depends on how long a tenant rents from my place.
Eg., If someone stays for a year and I got new carpets for them and it’s ruined, then I’m charging for the spots that couldn’t be cleaned.
Eg.,2: If someone stayed with me for 3 years and the carpet is already 8 years old, it doesn’t matter if it’s completely ruined, I’m not charging for that carpet.
This holds true for everything in the house.
One of my tenants wants to get a dog and the carpet is already 10 years old. I didn’t even charge more security deposits because once he lives, I’m going to replace that carpet.
I think the real test is if you give their deposit back. I’ve never gotten my deposit back without a fight, even after cleaning the apartment top-to-bottom. That’s why I always take photos before leaving.
This happened to me once. They sent a guy to check my place out, he said “Looks good, you’ll get your security deposit back.” Then months went by. Well unfortunately for them my BIL is a real estate lawyer and he was happy to draw up a packet of documents I could take to small claims court. I had to serve them about 3 times, each time the cost of serving them got tacked on. They didn’t show so I won by default so now the real work begang, collecting. They FINALLY paid it but I said, “You need to add the cost of serving you to it.” so they drew up a new check. Yup, a pain in the ass.
Shit my place was in better condition when I left than the way it was when moved in and they still wouldn’t give the deposit back.
Free market doesn’t work quite so well when it’s a required item like housing or medical.
Other landlords have different policies, but personally, what I return depends on if things are damaged not caused by wear and tear. So that depends on how long a tenant rents from my place.
Eg., If someone stays for a year and I got new carpets for them and it’s ruined, then I’m charging for the spots that couldn’t be cleaned.
Eg.,2: If someone stayed with me for 3 years and the carpet is already 8 years old, it doesn’t matter if it’s completely ruined, I’m not charging for that carpet.
This holds true for everything in the house.
One of my tenants wants to get a dog and the carpet is already 10 years old. I didn’t even charge more security deposits because once he lives, I’m going to replace that carpet.