Unresponsive management after move out charges

[lanadel]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia; Student housing apartment complex

Short Version:

I sent an email to management disputing carpet charges ($80) around January 15, 2015 for my lease that ended on December 31, 2014. I received a reply basically saying "I'm busy, and I'll get to it when I can." I responded saying I would I would like this matter resolved. This cycle continued with her again saying "I'm busy" about 3 or 4 times. This time it's been 3 weeks since I've heard from her...which I didn't follow up on.

Basically, my carpet was spotless when I moved out, and I know for a fact that these charges are unfair. I took pictures the day I moved out, however, I didn't take detailed pictures of the carpet. I went to the rental office and was kicked out and told to wait for an email response. I also didn't have a security deposit, so I owe management $80.

What should my next step be?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Either...

1. Pay the $80

2. Don't pay and wait to see if they turn this over to collections or sue you for this amount. If they sue, be prepared to dispute this amount in court. However, since you didn't have pictures of the carpet at move out, this might be difficult to prove, especially if management does have them.

Because you haven't heard from them, it is likely they are not pursuing this small amount any further with you.

Gail

 

[lanadel]

Either...

1. Pay the $80

2. Don't pay and wait to see if they turn this over to collections or sue you for this amount. If they sue, be prepared to dispute this amount in court. However, since you didn't have pictures of the carpet at move out, this might be difficult to prove, especially if management does have them.

Because you haven't heard from them, it is likely they are not pursuing this small amount any further with you.

Gail

Thank you.

Do you know if there is a specified period where they have to respond or the charges can get dropped? If they say the charge is for carpet cleaning, do they need a receipt of carpet cleaning by a certain time, etc.?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

In Georgia, no specific response period is required nor is a receipt required to be sent to the former tenant.

Gail

 

[OK-LL]

Did you clean the carpets at the end of your tenancy (usually post move-out)? If so, did you keep the receipt so you can show the manager or the court that you did so? If not, it's likely a legitimate charge, despite your contention that it was spotless. You simply cannot live on a carpet for a year without grinding dirt into the fibers which requires cleaning.