Broken window blues...

[ladyd02]

I live in the state of Florida. I accidentally broke a window in my apartment and was not made aware that I was responsible for paying for the window until I gave the leasing office my 60 day notice that I am not renewing my rent. I verbally told the leasing office that I would make payments towards paying off the amount due for the window but there was NEVER an official agreement of when I would make those payments or amounts that would be paid because I automatically assumed that they would send me a bill/invoice. I also was NEVER given a written invoice and it was not added to my monthly rent statement that usually includes amounts due for trash, sewer and water. A rep from the leasing office left me a voice mail informing me that they were not able to accept my rent check because it didn't include a partial payment amount for the broken window. I called and was advised that I made a verbal agreement to pay for the window with my rent June 1st which I never did. My question is it legal for them the add the amount due for the window to my rent without any written notification?

 

[justalayman]

they are separate issues but since you have given your 60 day notice of non-renewal, what is the issue? If they attempt to evict you, defend yourself in court. I would suggest purchasing money orders or obtaining cashiers checks so they are dated. When you get into court and the judge says; and your side of the story is....?


and say; I tried to pay. Here are the cashiers checks/ money orders that show the dates I purchased them. Landlord refused to accept them.

btw: you are liable for ANY damages you cause to an apartment or rented house.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Let's be honest here...

You admit breaking the window but haven't the common sense to realize that you are financially responsible for such....or perhaps felt you could get away without paying for the damage you caused.

You gave your 60 day notice and management figured you assumed you'd be skipping out without paying for this.

Instead of you stepping forward and admitting "yep; I broke it; how much will it cost me to have it replaced; I'd like to make partial payments since I'm responsible for the damage" you continue to play this game that none of this is really your fault.

When you go to court make certain you also present your evidence that, while you made a verbal offer to pay your damages, you can actually SHOW that you began doing this (oops; you don't have this, do you since you were still sitting on your hind end waiting for someone to tell you what to do).

Gail