What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina
Little history.. moved into apt complex April 2007, landlord @ that time lived on the property, so dropping off rental pmts wasn't a problem. Paid $200 security deposit, 2 dogs ($200 deposit each/$400 total paid) plus added $20 a month to rent ($10 for each dog). Landlord changed around Nov 2008, which didn't live on property & didn't have a "drop box". Had a problem with them receiving rent once, remailed another check & things worked out. Then again in March 2009 which I found an eviction notice on the door. I spoke with the office manager and advised him that I mailed the check weeks ago, and he said to mail another one, which I did. This time certified. I do have saved voice messages from 3/24/09 stating that he (property mgr) would take care of eviction and he had received the check and he would delete all fees associated with this eviction. The next week I mailed my final rent check (certified), along with a letter indicating that I would not be renewing my lease at the end of April 2009. Aso have a saved voice message from mgr. that he rec'd final check and letter regarding move out.
Here's the problem.. since I am unable to make calls during work hours, my mom spoke with the property manager on Tues, 3/21/09 to schedule a walk through, which she scheduled for Fri, 3/24/09 AND at that time gave the mgr a forwarding address for me. Since work would not allow me to take off, I had a friend do the walk thru, and mgr stated that would be okay. I also took pictures prior to walk thru. During the walk thru, the property manager asked for a forwarding address again and it was given to him... a second time.
The beginning of June I receive a letter (to the old address) indicated payment for past rents, penalities, and court fees from March. My mother called and spoke with them and the "new" property manager quoted "oh yeah, she moved out didn't she?" Asked once again for a forwarding address, which she was told it was the 3rd time giving it to them. My mother asked if they would send a letter correcting this issue and they responded yes. At the end of June, I received a letter indicating all damage done... kitchen counter (which I did burn) and damaged from pets for a chewed window seal (which did happen), but I'm being billed for carpet replacement, which I told them the carpet was NOT in any better condition when I moved in. I shampooed carpet, cleaned, mopped, etc. They are now billing me for over $1000.
Reading up on the laws, I see that the property manager only has 30 days to notify me, which I'm sure they will say they didn't have a forwarding address, and although I didn't "mail" them a letter, it was given to them on two different occasions, by two different people, and not me. The only deduction was the security deposit. Not sure if they should have applied the pet deposits.
Do I have any rights here?
*sorry for the long post*
Little history.. moved into apt complex April 2007, landlord @ that time lived on the property, so dropping off rental pmts wasn't a problem. Paid $200 security deposit, 2 dogs ($200 deposit each/$400 total paid) plus added $20 a month to rent ($10 for each dog). Landlord changed around Nov 2008, which didn't live on property & didn't have a "drop box". Had a problem with them receiving rent once, remailed another check & things worked out. Then again in March 2009 which I found an eviction notice on the door. I spoke with the office manager and advised him that I mailed the check weeks ago, and he said to mail another one, which I did. This time certified. I do have saved voice messages from 3/24/09 stating that he (property mgr) would take care of eviction and he had received the check and he would delete all fees associated with this eviction. The next week I mailed my final rent check (certified), along with a letter indicating that I would not be renewing my lease at the end of April 2009. Aso have a saved voice message from mgr. that he rec'd final check and letter regarding move out.
Here's the problem.. since I am unable to make calls during work hours, my mom spoke with the property manager on Tues, 3/21/09 to schedule a walk through, which she scheduled for Fri, 3/24/09 AND at that time gave the mgr a forwarding address for me. Since work would not allow me to take off, I had a friend do the walk thru, and mgr stated that would be okay. I also took pictures prior to walk thru. During the walk thru, the property manager asked for a forwarding address again and it was given to him... a second time.
The beginning of June I receive a letter (to the old address) indicated payment for past rents, penalities, and court fees from March. My mother called and spoke with them and the "new" property manager quoted "oh yeah, she moved out didn't she?" Asked once again for a forwarding address, which she was told it was the 3rd time giving it to them. My mother asked if they would send a letter correcting this issue and they responded yes. At the end of June, I received a letter indicating all damage done... kitchen counter (which I did burn) and damaged from pets for a chewed window seal (which did happen), but I'm being billed for carpet replacement, which I told them the carpet was NOT in any better condition when I moved in. I shampooed carpet, cleaned, mopped, etc. They are now billing me for over $1000.
Reading up on the laws, I see that the property manager only has 30 days to notify me, which I'm sure they will say they didn't have a forwarding address, and although I didn't "mail" them a letter, it was given to them on two different occasions, by two different people, and not me. The only deduction was the security deposit. Not sure if they should have applied the pet deposits.
Do I have any rights here?
*sorry for the long post*