What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
Moved out of a rental home. Landlord furious, is "connected" in our town, and refuses to allow me to get fair estimates for damages (stained carpet needs steam cleaning, deck needs some scratches sanded). Sends scores of texts saying that I'm a horrible person and I will have to pay him "lots of money." He forced us out a month early. He has $1300 (last month's rent + pet deposit). I asked him how much more than that amount would the repairs cost. He says "lots more." Instead of cleaning the carpet and sanding the deck, he is replacing both and says I have to pay the bill. He refuses to show me any estimates, and said if I ask anyone to go over to get an estimate or go myself (I wouldn't; he terrifies me), he'll have me arrested for trespassing. Single mother, not much money. House in great shape, professionally cleaned before we left. Did a walk-through but he didn't have us sign anything, nor did he sign. Now he's claiming more damages. I have photos and witnesses (who went to the walk-through with me). His brothers are lawyers. I'm trying to get a lawyer myself, but he has not returned my call yet.
My questions: how can 1) I get a fair estimate for the work done; his buddies will inflate the cost. 2) Is it legal for him to do this? 3) I know you don't know me from Adam, but the house was not destroyed. The carpet needed shampooing and one small area of the deck needed sanding. That's it. Am I going to be stuck with the bill for all this? He's trying to put the house up for sale, and I think he wants me to foot the bill.
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.
Moved out of a rental home. Landlord furious, is "connected" in our town, and refuses to allow me to get fair estimates for damages (stained carpet needs steam cleaning, deck needs some scratches sanded). Sends scores of texts saying that I'm a horrible person and I will have to pay him "lots of money." He forced us out a month early. He has $1300 (last month's rent + pet deposit). I asked him how much more than that amount would the repairs cost. He says "lots more." Instead of cleaning the carpet and sanding the deck, he is replacing both and says I have to pay the bill. He refuses to show me any estimates, and said if I ask anyone to go over to get an estimate or go myself (I wouldn't; he terrifies me), he'll have me arrested for trespassing. Single mother, not much money. House in great shape, professionally cleaned before we left. Did a walk-through but he didn't have us sign anything, nor did he sign. Now he's claiming more damages. I have photos and witnesses (who went to the walk-through with me). His brothers are lawyers. I'm trying to get a lawyer myself, but he has not returned my call yet.
My questions: how can 1) I get a fair estimate for the work done; his buddies will inflate the cost. 2) Is it legal for him to do this? 3) I know you don't know me from Adam, but the house was not destroyed. The carpet needed shampooing and one small area of the deck needed sanding. That's it. Am I going to be stuck with the bill for all this? He's trying to put the house up for sale, and I think he wants me to foot the bill.
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.