Disagreement on Itemized List

[CAGuy25]

This situation involves a disagreement over the amount the landlord advised me I owed, and the amount I believe I should be held responsible for. This is an apartment situation, in California, with an original deposit of $350.

The itemized statement states the following:

Cleaning**************.....$175.00

DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20...$120.00
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%......$48.15 (paint)
Carpet replace = 882
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$582.12

MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg...$60.00
Deflea****************************.$45.00
Trash Out**************.....$40.00

Balance of Rent......$42.41

Total Charges......$1090.27

Less Deposit**************-$350.00

Total Due**************....$782.68

Needless to say, I responded to this with a letter stating why I did not agree with the charges and the reasons why.

My first comment was on the paint. Why should I be charged a pro-rated amount for the paint, but not for the labor? It doesn't make sense for me to pay for a portion of the paint, but pay for the full labor to apply the paint.

Second, I knew of 5 small bleach stains on the carpet...3 spots of was, and 1 pet stain. I called around to check on the price to get 5 of each cleaned, and the carpet pet protected or whatever they call it. The total price came to $250. I noted how I didn't think I should be held responsible for the manager not being thrifty enough.

Third, first, it doesn't make sense to deflea and pet protect a carpet if it's brand new. Second, the cleaning option above, takes out the need for these 2, since they are included in the cost.

Fourth, Trash charge. Am I the only one who would be insanely stupid to pay someone the high price of $175 to clean my house, and then agree to pay them another $40 to take out the trash? My feeling is that this cost should be included in the cleaning.

Last, prior to leaving, I called the manager to inquire on my rent due. I was told $650 would be the amount due. I paid this amount. Now, I'm being told there is an additional amount due, I don't think so.

This is what I sent back to show how I felt the itemized list should've looked:

Cleaning**************.....$175.00

DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20 = 120
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%.....$102.15 (paint & labor)
Carpet clean = 250
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$162.50

MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg....$0.00
Deflea****************************..$0.00
Trash Out**************......$0.00

Balance of Rent**************$0.00

Total Charges**************$439.65

Less Deposit**************-$350.00

Total Due**************.....$89.65

Do I have a legal leg to stand on, when fighting these charges? Or am I totally screwed and will be forced to pay these charges?

Please advise ASAP...this is a matter which has been haunting me for 2 months now.

Why do you want a response ASAP but waited 2 months to find this website?

[CAGuy25]

Actually it took them a month just to get the itemized list to me, then I responded with the above, and they responded with "We are not changing our amounts"...basically. And I received that 2 days ago, and went searching for this board again, since I had forgotten the name of it, so I could get some Helpful advice.

[HomeGuru]

What date did your lease end, what date did you move out and what date did L notify you as to the dispositon of your deposit?

[CAGuy25]

Lease ended at the end of July, was doing month to month after that. Move out date was August 28th. Postmark on disposition was September 12th

>>What date did your lease end, what date did you move out and what date did L notify you as to the dispositon of your deposit?