This situation involves a disagreement over the amount the landlord advised me I owed, and the amount I believe I should be held responsible for. This is an apartment situation, in California, with an original deposit of $350.
The itemized statement states the following:
Cleaning............$175.00
DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20...$120.00
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%......$48.15 (paint)
Carpet replace = 882
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$582.12
MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg...$60.00
Deflea...............$45.00
Trash Out............$40.00
Balance of Rent......$42.41
Total Charges......$1090.27
Less Deposit.......-$350.00
Total Due...........$782.68
Needless to say, I responded to this with a letter stating why I did not agree with the charges and the reasons why.
My first comment was on the paint. Why should I be charged a pro-rated amount for the paint, but not for the labor? It doesn't make sense for me to pay for a portion of the paint, but pay for the full labor to apply the paint.
Second, I knew of 5 small bleach stains on the carpet...3 spots of was, and 1 pet stain. I called around to check on the price to get 5 of each cleaned, and the carpet pet protected or whatever they call it. The total price came to $250. I noted how I didn't think I should be held responsible for the manager not being thrifty enough.
Third, first, it doesn't make sense to deflea and pet protect a carpet if it's brand new. Second, the cleaning option above, takes out the need for these 2, since they are included in the cost.
Fourth, Trash charge. Am I the only one who would be insanely stupid to pay someone the high price of $175 to clean my house, and then agree to pay them another $40 to take out the trash? My feeling is that this cost should be included in the cleaning.
Last, prior to leaving, I called the manager to inquire on my rent due. I was told $650 would be the amount due. I paid this amount. Now, I'm being told there is an additional amount due, I don't think so.
This is what I sent back to show how I felt the itemized list should've looked:
Cleaning............$175.00
DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20 = 120
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%.....$102.15 (paint & labor)
Carpet clean = 250
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$162.50
MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg....$0.00
Deflea................$0.00
Trash Out.............$0.00
Balance of Rent.......$0.00
Total Charges.......$439.65
Less Deposit.......-$350.00
Total Due............$89.65
Do I have a legal leg to stand on, when fighting these charges? Or am I totally screwed and will be forced to pay these charges?
Please advise ASAP...this is a matter which has been haunting me for 2 months now.
The itemized statement states the following:
Cleaning............$175.00
DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20...$120.00
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%......$48.15 (paint)
Carpet replace = 882
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$582.12
MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg...$60.00
Deflea...............$45.00
Trash Out............$40.00
Balance of Rent......$42.41
Total Charges......$1090.27
Less Deposit.......-$350.00
Total Due...........$782.68
Needless to say, I responded to this with a letter stating why I did not agree with the charges and the reasons why.
My first comment was on the paint. Why should I be charged a pro-rated amount for the paint, but not for the labor? It doesn't make sense for me to pay for a portion of the paint, but pay for the full labor to apply the paint.
Second, I knew of 5 small bleach stains on the carpet...3 spots of was, and 1 pet stain. I called around to check on the price to get 5 of each cleaned, and the carpet pet protected or whatever they call it. The total price came to $250. I noted how I didn't think I should be held responsible for the manager not being thrifty enough.
Third, first, it doesn't make sense to deflea and pet protect a carpet if it's brand new. Second, the cleaning option above, takes out the need for these 2, since they are included in the cost.
Fourth, Trash charge. Am I the only one who would be insanely stupid to pay someone the high price of $175 to clean my house, and then agree to pay them another $40 to take out the trash? My feeling is that this cost should be included in the cleaning.
Last, prior to leaving, I called the manager to inquire on my rent due. I was told $650 would be the amount due. I paid this amount. Now, I'm being told there is an additional amount due, I don't think so.
This is what I sent back to show how I felt the itemized list should've looked:
Cleaning............$175.00
DAMAGE/REPAIRS
6 hrs labor @ $20 = 120
5 gals flat @ $15 = 65
2 gals semi @ $21 = 42
Pro-rated @ 45%.....$102.15 (paint & labor)
Carpet clean = 250
Pro-rated @ 65%.....$162.50
MISCELLANEOUS
Seal Floor Pet Dmg....$0.00
Deflea................$0.00
Trash Out.............$0.00
Balance of Rent.......$0.00
Total Charges.......$439.65
Less Deposit.......-$350.00
Total Due............$89.65
Do I have a legal leg to stand on, when fighting these charges? Or am I totally screwed and will be forced to pay these charges?
Please advise ASAP...this is a matter which has been haunting me for 2 months now.