Hi,
Could anybody give me a good advice?

We've rented our apartment for almost 3 years. Recently we moved out.

Today I receive a Statement of Move Out Charges Balance Owing.

The most interesting charges are:

1. Odor elimination at the following cost - $120 - Excessive odor in the apartment due to smoking, cooking, pets etc

We don't have any pets, no smoking, almost no cooking (mostly put something brought from the store to microwave and do NOT use smelling spice at all)...

2. Blinds cleaning - $60

They want mini-blinds were PROFESSIONALLY cleaned (says I should provide a receipt or pay for it).

3. Apartment cleaning - 5 hr x 20/hr

We cleaned our apartment very well.

But they could find something like "Lights in the kitchen - particles inside, needs cleaning ". I've never seen them inside so... or "Vent fan in the bathroom - dusty"...

So I'm not really sure is it reasonable price - $100 for this kind of "mess".

I forgot to mention something like carpet cleaning and replacement of drip pans (which is "clean but not new" ). OK - I suppose this is fine.


Are the 1st and 2nd "normal" charges I should pay for??? What do you think?

How much could be the 3rd ?

And what I suppose to do with this landlord ?

Thanks a lot!

RickJ

It all sounds excessive to me.

These are always tough calls. This is why renters should take pictures when they move in and when they move out. Even if you take him to small claims court, it will be
1. His word against yours, and
2. Up to the judge or magistrate to decide if the charges are excessive.

Sadly, many landlords do this to retain the Security Deposits knowing that renters will probably not take them to court with evidence.

The best you can do is take him to court with whatever evidence and testimony you have - and cross your fingers.