Hello,




We Leased a house for 2 years in King County. We moved out and 17 days later, we still had not heard from the Landlord nor had we received our deposit back. We contacted them and they said they were holding our deposit for a quote on some hardwood floor damage repair. I replied it doesn't matter, you are past 14 days, refund our deposit. They did. We have it. But they also included a note saying they want 2100 dollars for one floor board that the varnish has worn off.

They never even asked us to sign a check in list.


Do they have any case against us for this floorboard? After 14 days doesn't it mean that they screwed themselves?


Art Neil

That seems like an excessive amount for one floorboard, sounds like they are having the entire floor refinished at your expense. They returned your cheque and it seems to be if there had been damage they really believed you did, then they would have kept your cheque to pay part of it. Leave it be for the time being, you may never hear from them again. I don't think they could collect this in small claims court, but if you ever rent again, take pics of every room to show that there was no damage to the rooms. Minor normal wear and tear doesn't count, and I don't think you could have prevented scratching the floor.

Hello Art:

They have to send your deposit back within 14 days, and they did. I don't think that means they can't sue you for damages. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it.

excon