a problem with secure deposit in room renting

[nn2000]

The previous landlady examined my room in the last day of my contract and told me to wait a refund check from her. Now I received the check but found that $60 was deducted for room cleaning and $10 was deducted for lighting bulbs replacement. I cleaned my room before I left and I thought the cleanness condition was ok. And the lighting bulbs stopped working not because of damage but life span. Is it legal to deduct those fees from secure deposit?

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Yes, the bulbs are supposed to be in working condition according to most tennant/landlord contracts and the cleaning was likely carpet cleaning because of wear. Its normal, dont waste your energy trying to fight it

 

[sjwaste]

Yeah, you do generally replace light bulbs before moving out.

 

[Vette73]

Check with your state. They are NOT supposed to charge for general cleaning, only damage done that is outside normal wear and tear.

Write her back, certified letter, asking what cleaning was needed and that you want you money back as there was not damage done, only normal wear and tear that is covered by state law.

 

[Ness]

This is why you always have the landlord check the place out while you are present and hand them the keys when you have an assessment in hand.

Nothing like paying $10 for $2 in light bulbs and $60 for a $30 steam cleaner rental.

 

[duragezic]

Bah, good chance that if your landlord wants to even the slightest bit, they will take part of your security deposit. Man the last place I moved out of last month, cleaned it up very nicely, got docked for all kinds of stuff when only a couple of the things were really true. I got hit at like two places for knobs missing off the closet doors, when they were never there to begin with. Remember smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. I only had to get hit at one place to remember to put batteries in any alarms that had them removed or dead.

So I guess in short it's normal and I would simply accept it unless it was a large amount of money taken over something not true. Normal wear and tear doesn't mean jack, the slightest spot on the carpet at the doorway and you'll still get hit with cleaning.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I'd fight it. The ex landlord is probably abusing their power. If they value their time they will likely return at least part of it rather than deal with a long battle for $60.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn
I'd fight it. The ex landlord is probably abusing their power. If they value their time they will likely return at least part of it rather than deal with a long battle for $60.

Yep, start with the certified letter as I posted above. I bet you at least get some back.