Looking ahead, what if I am denied my security deposit?

[drearyone]

What is the name of your state? CA

I have dreams of moving out in the near future. When this happens, I anticipate I will not get my back security deposit.
I moved in back in 1992. At this time, the long deceased landlady gave me a signed handwritten note explaining the conditions of the security deposit.
Do I have legal recourse if they refuse to refund the deposit?

The carpet, walls, and tub are an eyesore because they replace nothing that does not affect the inhabitability of the apartment.
Can they blame me for this ugliness, which existed before I moved in?

 

[Zigner]

After 15 years? They won't be able to deduct much. If you punch holes in the wall, or if you've gouged the tub with metal. You'll be ok if the tub is just "worn" out and the paint is just "worn" out and the carpet is just "worn" out (you see where I'm going with the "worn" out stuff).

Why do you think you won't get your SD back?

 

[drearyone]

Just an educated guess. The owners have demonstrated that they only take care of the absolute essentials, and do not care one bit about the aesthetics of their units.
Therefore, if they can find a way to legally deny me my security deposit, I suspect they will.
I am also concerned about the torn hole in my bedroom door that was there when I moved in. I cannot prove I did not damage the door, since the owners have never set foot in my apartment.