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    psgolfer's Avatar
    psgolfer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 17, 2010, 05:13 PM
    We rented condo in California and Owner will not return Security Deposit
    Hi All,

    We live in Canada and had a horrible expeirence with a rental condo in Palm Springs, CA over the last Christmas/New Years.

    The owner of the rental property will not return our $200.00 security deposit. They are saying the we left our dog droppings on the front lawn and they had to clean it up.

    There were no fines or reports to the police, just their word.

    What can we do living so far away in Vancouver, British Columbia?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #2

    Jan 17, 2010, 05:29 PM

    You will have to sue then in court in California for the money, and they know you can't afford to do it.
    psgolfer's Avatar
    psgolfer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 17, 2010, 05:42 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck View Post
    you will have to sue then in court in California for the money, and they know you can't afford to do it.
    Can this be done online?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #4

    Jan 17, 2010, 05:54 PM

    Nope, you will have to appear in person for the court hearing when you sue them.

    And if they are really mean, after it is scheduled, they will appear and ask for it to be continued, to make you have to come back again.
    ** not that they would but this is common for crooks who want to make it hard for you to sue them)

    You may be able to file though the mail but will have to actually be there for court
    psgolfer's Avatar
    psgolfer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jan 17, 2010, 06:05 PM

    Is there anyone who is in California that can confirm this information. Thanks
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #6

    Jan 17, 2010, 06:18 PM

    One does not have to be in California to know CA law. You have received accurate advice.

    Was this a vacation rental? How did you find the rental? Did you have a walkthru when you left?
    psgolfer's Avatar
    psgolfer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jan 17, 2010, 10:20 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    One does not have to be in California to know CA law. You have received accurate advice.

    Was this a vacation rental? How did you find the rental? Did you have a walkthru when you left?
    I know that one doesn't need to be in CA, I was just hoping for someone who "knows for sure".

    This was a vacation rental that I found online through a website that advertises owner owned residences for rent. We didn't go through a management company but do have a contract.

    There was no walk through as the owners live 90 minutes from the condo. We did a walkthrough at the beginning and we also took pictures after we left of the inside. They are claiming that because there was dog poop they don't owe us any money.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #8

    Jan 18, 2010, 06:47 AM

    I would contact the website and report it to them. Or there may be a ratings section where you can rate the property and landlords.

    But, if they claim they needed to use your deposit, you will need to take them to court in CA and prove that their claims are false. Something that would clearly cost you more than the $200.
    psgolfer's Avatar
    psgolfer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Jan 18, 2010, 07:51 AM

    Yes you are correct on this matter. I don't see any other way other than letting other people aware of who they are and what to expect.
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