Being Sued for 2 yr. old landlord problem

[ColleenA]

Please help me if you can. My old landlord, which is a large corporation is suing me for a dispute which occured 2 years ago almost to the day. I had lived at this apartment complex for 11 years with no problems. When I decided to move into a house I notified the apartment manager verbally the month before. Half way through the month she and I had talked about me leaving and told me I needed to put the notification in writing. Which I did. Two days after my move she came by for the walk through and told me that I was libel from the day I gave her the written notice for 30 days of rent. Which would amount to 22 days. She also told me that the apartment was not clean enough for the painters and she suggested that I hire someone to clean the walls with TSP and to give the apartment a good once over. THE APARTMENT WAS CLEAN. I was livid. I told her to keep the cleaning deposit of $300.00. I ended up giving her an additional $200.00 when she called harassing for more money. I told her I thought we were even and that I was not going to give her another cent.
I didn't here from them for two years. Now they have attorney and are suing. What are my options, I really don't want to pay but at the same time I don't want to get stuck for there attorneys fees and court costs.

 

[Tracey]

Obviously, you should defend the suit. You should also counterclaim for a refund. You were liable for the 22 days of rent. However, any apt. will need to be rehabbed after 11 years with the same tenant! She wasn't allowed to charge you for the TSP or paint prep, as she would have incurred these charges anyway. Did you take pictures or have friends see the apt.? It would be good to get your evidence together.

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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.

 

[CAndreetta]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tracey:
Obviously, you should defend the suit. You should also counterclaim for a refund. You were liable for the 22 days of rent. However, any apt. will need to be rehabbed after 11 years with the same tenant! She wasn't allowed to charge you for the TSP or paint prep, as she would have incurred these charges anyway. Did you take pictures or have friends see the apt.? It would be good to get your evidence together.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>