Responsible for shampooing the carpet?

[hey_hon]

At 3:00 this past Saturday afternoon, on the day I was moving-as I was moving, my Land lord stopped by and asked me if I intended to shampoo the carpet. This being the absolute 1st he said anything about this, I told him I was going to vacuum and sweep up and asked if this wasn't something he normally did upon the arrival of a new tennant (like putting down a fresh coat of paint, etc.) He said "No, not really." Yet, "his guy" was already in the building shampooing the carpets in 2 other apartments. He then told me he would have to deduct the cost of shampooing the carpets from my security deposit. Is this legal? I have left that apartment in better condition then when I moved in and have the pictures to prove it.
(I live in Baltimore, Maryland)

 

[Tracey]

If it's been a year or more since the carpets were last shampooed, then their dirt is considered normal wear & tear for which L cannot charge you. It's simply a cost of doing business. This assumes you've not left behind any stains. Write L (certified, return receipt), & inform L that yearly shampooing is normal wear & tear under MD state law, & L can't charge you for shampooing costs. Then say that if L charges you for shampooing, you'll sue L under MD Code Title 8-203 for wrongfully withholding the security deosit & get triple the withheld amount + costs + attorney fees as a judgment. L has until 30 days after you move out to mail the list of damages, & 45 days to mail the refund.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.