Security Deposit Issue - Can I do anything...

[relznik6]

I reside in Washington State and my issue is our security deposit of 1200.00. Although we did finally receive something from the property manager postmarked on the 14th day, they have elected to keep all of our security deposit stating "estimated costs". Some of these costs are for utilities (water & gas), w/s/garbage, interior & exterior cleaning, carpet cleaning & carpet repair. There are no utilities of any kind owed as I have paid them direct to the providers of such services. I am questioning the ethics of this property management company, and if I might have a legitimate complaint worthy of further action. I have tried repeatedly to contact the necessary person via telephone, leaving messages when she is out, requesting return calls, and sending faxes asking for the same. I have not yet had a return call to offer any kind of explanation or assist my understanding. How long will they now have to hold my money?

 

[rentertoo]

did you break the lease?

did you take pictures of the supposed damage?

You must demand in writing a full accounting of all costs. send it certiied mail return reciept.

Did you pay for the water/gas then send a copy of the payment, was the w/s/g included in the lease?

was the w/s/g for the previous months? or for the foward months after you vacated?

Did you do a final walk through listing all the damages?

what proof do you have that you dont owe them the money?

 

[JETX]

Washington state has a pretty good landlord-tenant law that covers most situations. I suggest that you read it to see what, if any, provisions the landlord did NOT comply with (make a list as you read the law).

For example:
"No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement specifically describing the
condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises and furnishings, including, but not limited to, walls, floors, countertops, carpets, drapes, furniture, and appliances, is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the
commencement of the tenancy. The checklist or statement shall be signed and dated by the landlord and the tenant, and the tenant shall be provided with a copy of the signed checklist or statement."
Did the landlord provide this list?? Did you sign it??

Then, send the landlord a letter demanding the disputed amounts to be returned to you. Include a list of whatever statutory violations he/she made.
Then, close with a notice that you will pursue this issue in court if needed.

A full text copy of the Code (RCW 59.18) can be downloaded from:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/rcwchapters/Ch1650.exe
Or viewed at:
http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW 59 TITLE/RCW 59 . 18 CHAPTER/RCW 59 . 18 chapter.htm

 

[Cvillecpm]

Go up the chain in the PM company. Check their co website and contact upper level PM or District Manager.

As for utility bills, many utility providers have right to "lien" a property if the utility bills are not paid. If you did not pay them and provide a copy of paid receipt, PM has the DUTY to property owner to not have the property be subject to your non-payment.

This is not an "ethics" issue, but one of the practicality of the lien rights of the utility provider. Also, if you had notice of specific move-out instructions and directions and DID NOT COMPLY WITH THEM....then, you are SOL in most cases....