[kathleenjean]

Our father is 83 years of age. He has just moved out of his rental property into his own home. My sister and I went around and cleaned the place spotless. The carpets were fine. However, the landlord demanded the carpets be done by a professional cleaner, so dad paid for a professional cleaner to clean the carpets. Windows washed etc. When dad first moved in - the stove wouldn't work so we lent him a little one we had until they finally got someone in to fix the old thing that was in there. There have been problems all along - but dad has always kept two months ahead in rent. The benches were never brilliant but we have cleaned them spotless. It's a kind of shack and not worth the money they ask. You can even see through to the outside as there is a board missing on the kitchen floor near the cupboards (it's always been like this) I am hoping that they don't expect dad to rebuild the old house. He's only been there about 5 months and I don't know why he wanted to move into the run down old shack while waiting for his money to come through in the first place. He has been told if all these problems aren't fixed, he won't get his $2,000 back and he will have a black name against him. Is there someone we can phone to give us some advice on how to deal with this? Kathy

[ScottGem]

ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

I would contact the office of elder care in his area. There are groups that advocate for senior citizens.

First let me say that the landlord is bluffing about a black name against him. It is rare that a landlord files a report with a credit bureau. When they do its usually because of unpaid rent. And since your dad is moving into his own home there is no landlord to check references.

Now here is the other part. Unless your dad has proof that the damages existed when he moved in (photos, a walk through form) he may have a hard time proving the damages were there when he moved in. There

The landlord will be required to return his deposit or an itemized list of what the deposit was used for within a time frame specified in local law. If they don't they could forfeit the right to keep the deposit and may be liable for damages.

[joypulv]

Is this in the US? Laws vary around the world and by state or province.
Also, I'm not clear on how he can be both renting and moving into his own home, and also waiting for money to come through.
In general, it would have been good to take pictures and keep track of purchases for repairs and cleaning. If the landlord is being unfair, you may have to sue him, with all of you testifying in small claims.
I certainly wouldn't be paying way in advance while all this is going on.

[Fr_Chuck]

He will sue them for his money back for his deposit if he should get it.

Is he on month to month rental, did he give a 30 day notice, Was he on a lease ?