Late itemized list?

[youknowme123]

I am a resident of GA. I moved out about 5 weeks ago and my landlord has been stalling me on returning my deposit. Every time I ask him for an estimated time, he gives me some vague time frame. I am a patient guy but I feel the process is being drawn out with no clear path for resolution. I am almost certain that my deposit was spent to get the place ready for the next tenants. I say this because I seen the improvements myself and the new resident told me the landlord paid for about 4 or 5k for home improvements right when I moved in. Around the same time , I initially asked for my deposit to be return around that same time and was told he" was still processing bills". The problem is that all house bills but water was the tenants name and water was already paid before move out.

In my opinion, he is stalling to recoup my security deposit till the new tenants pay in another month of rent. I do not agree with it but just seems probably the only way I will get my money.

My question for the forum , I read that the landlord has 5 days to provide me with an itemized list according to GA law. The landlord charged me $350 for cleaning and trash removal. I was made aware of this charge last night through text message when I asked for an update on my deposit. A whole almost 6 weeks later. I whole fully do not agree with charges. Can I still dispute the charges? I asked for an email copy of the itemized deductions when he informed me and still is waiting on the list.


Also, I am also owed an refund for about a week and half of rent. Basically, I agreed with the landlord to move out early to let the new tenant move in 2 or 3 days later after I moved out. So both me and the new tenants were both paying rent for that week and a half period.

I plan on drafting a legal letter tonight or tomorrow once I receive the email with the itemized deductions requesting the return, the charges I do not agree with, and requesting the refund of the rent I am owed. Would 7 or 10 days be a fair deadline to give him?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Couple of things to keep in mind...

Don't confuse the 5 day requirement in terms of the final walk through with the time line for the return of the security deposit. In addition, some of these walk through requirements are negated if the landlord owns 10 or less rental units in Georgia.

Attached are the LEGAL requirements a landlord has to return the security deposit (or information regarding such) in the state of Georgia. It's one month after you leave. The landlord has already violated this statute:

http://www.georgialegalaid.org/resource/security-deposits-answers-to-common-questions

In your letter it would be a good idea to point this out and state you are willing to go to court over this matter if your full security deposit is not returned to you within one week of the landlord receiving this letter. And DON'T wait for the magical email from the landlord before you draft your letter to them.

Gail