What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Rhode Island
First, some background: I was renting an apartment, and the landlord sold the property. My security deposit was transferred to the new owners. Soon after, I lost my job and had to leave the apartment. I sent a letter to the new landlord stating my intent (after calling and speaking on the phone), and asking to be present for a walkthrough of the apartment to look for damages (of which there were none). This was my first rental, so I didn't know all the "rules" you're supposed to follow for documentation and such. I didn't keep a copy of the letter, I have no photos of the apartment.
I moved out, and subsequently lost the contact information for the new owner during the move when my phone crashed (had to do a factory reset) and the letter I received with his info went missing during the move. I did find the address I sent my rent checks to, so I sent a letter asking to be contacted. It was returned as undeliverable. I spent nearly a month trying to find a phone number, finally getting it from the lawyer who arranged the sale of the property. During this time, the owner had my phone number, but I don't recall if I gave him my new address. When I finally was able to speak on the phone to him, he told me that I owed $300 for the paint in the apartment, which was as it was when I moved in. I told him that I didn't paint, and he said his lawyer would contact me. I never heard from either again, and subsequent phone calls have not been returned. It is now 3 months after I vacated the apartment.
Now, I have been in contact with the former landlord, and he has agreed to send a notarized letter saying that the paint is "original." This is the only documentation I will have for the state of the apartment, save for the returned letter.
I am currently still unemployed, so I really could use that deposit back. I also cannot afford the $300 he claims I owe. What are my chances for winning in court? If they are low, I don't think I should bother and avoid the filing fee and possible court-mandated $300 payment.
Thanks in advance!
First, some background: I was renting an apartment, and the landlord sold the property. My security deposit was transferred to the new owners. Soon after, I lost my job and had to leave the apartment. I sent a letter to the new landlord stating my intent (after calling and speaking on the phone), and asking to be present for a walkthrough of the apartment to look for damages (of which there were none). This was my first rental, so I didn't know all the "rules" you're supposed to follow for documentation and such. I didn't keep a copy of the letter, I have no photos of the apartment.
I moved out, and subsequently lost the contact information for the new owner during the move when my phone crashed (had to do a factory reset) and the letter I received with his info went missing during the move. I did find the address I sent my rent checks to, so I sent a letter asking to be contacted. It was returned as undeliverable. I spent nearly a month trying to find a phone number, finally getting it from the lawyer who arranged the sale of the property. During this time, the owner had my phone number, but I don't recall if I gave him my new address. When I finally was able to speak on the phone to him, he told me that I owed $300 for the paint in the apartment, which was as it was when I moved in. I told him that I didn't paint, and he said his lawyer would contact me. I never heard from either again, and subsequent phone calls have not been returned. It is now 3 months after I vacated the apartment.
Now, I have been in contact with the former landlord, and he has agreed to send a notarized letter saying that the paint is "original." This is the only documentation I will have for the state of the apartment, save for the returned letter.
I am currently still unemployed, so I really could use that deposit back. I also cannot afford the $300 he claims I owe. What are my chances for winning in court? If they are low, I don't think I should bother and avoid the filing fee and possible court-mandated $300 payment.
Thanks in advance!