• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Lost $550+ out of my security deposit for an apt

M

mAdMaLuDaWg

Platinum Member
Well, I just got my security deposit back from my previous apartment and they freakin took ~$550 out of my security deposit. The reason: Carpet Stains! So I called up the rental office and they said the inspection report stated that everything in the apartment was fine except for stains in the carpet that they couldn't get out so they replaced the whole thing and charge me for it. I told them that I was in the apartment for three years and that it should be considered normal wear and tear because the carpet would have been replaced anyway because it was worn. So I read up on NJ laws for renting and I realized that I should have asked for an informal inspection before I left and made them sign a paper with the damages that could incur a repair cost listed. Hindsight is 20/20 obviously... but anyway, they said that if the carpet was 5 years old, it would have been replaced for free. I then shot back saying that it would have been replaced anyway because it was 3 years old and I also asked for a receipt from the cleaners. The lady sort of agreed with my statement but told me to call corporate. Well I called and left a message.

So am I totally screwed out of the $550 ($480 for carpet replacement and $70 for a cleaning charge). NJ law states that they can't charge me for normal wear and tear and they cannot charge me for cleaning as long as I leave the apartment 'broom clean' (which I did). There were only two isolated carpet stains, caused by dirty shoes as they were right at the entrance of the apartment. But c'mon, after three years of use, the carpet had to be replaced anyway regardless of the condition.
Anyone know of a free tenants advocacy group that I could call for further help in NJ? All the ones I could find had to do with Housing discrimination.

Cliff Notes
-Got my security deposit from my previous apartment (been a resident for 3 yrs) and they deducted $550 for carpet replacement
-Called rental office and they told me if the carpet was 5 years old it would have been replaced for free.
-Asked for receipt from cleaners and they told me to call corporate
-Left a message for the manager at corporate
 
Originally posted by: SuperTool
Small claims court.
Click to expand...
yeah, the only problem is that I don't have any proof on how the condition of the apartment was before I left. I should have taken pictures or had the super come and inspect it. The apartment was in a pretty good condition before I left and it didn't even cross my mind at the time.
I'm really really really broke right now and I can't afford any lawyers or anything and I have a fulltime job and I goto school in the evenings. So I really want to avoid bringing this to court until I have exhausted all other means. I hope they work something out with me.
 
I would at least go talk to a lawyer and see what they say. They may not talk to you for long, but at least you'll get an idea. Does anyone in your family know a lawyer you can just call really quick and ask about this?
 
You wernt there when they did the walk through? The only place where I had an apartment, I went to return my key and thats when they went into the apartment and took a peek. I dont know if that's the norm or not but it seemed pretty standard that you'd walk though with them.
 
Originally posted by: Yossarian
is it NJ law that the carpet has to be replaced every 3 years? if not I don't understand where you're getting that.
Click to expand...

Neither is it NJ law that carpet has to be replaced every 5 years. The carpet was worn and normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the owners.. even without the stains, the carpet was in pretty bad shapebecause of keeping furniture on it for three years (which qualifies for normal wear and tear) and there was no chance in hell that they would have kept the carpet even without the stains. There were two stains that I couldn't get cleaned out and were right near the door. They replaced the whole freakin carpet (supposedly)... man, I should have taken pictures of the place before I left, now they could say whatever they want and get away with it.
 
Originally posted by: dnetmhz
You replace your carpet every 3 years?.. You must buy really sh!tty carpet!
Click to expand...

that's the kind of carpet an apartment complex uses .. the cheapest possible. my carpet sucks. the padding is completely crushed. stains on the carpet.

the problem is I originally sublet the apartment, so there was never an exit inspection for the last person.
 
Originally posted by: JDub02
Originally posted by: dnetmhz
You replace your carpet every 3 years?.. You must buy really sh!tty carpet!
Click to expand...

that's the kind of carpet an apartment complex uses .. the cheapest possible. my carpet sucks. the padding is completely crushed. stains on the carpet.

the problem is I originally sublet the apartment, so there was never an exit inspection for the last person.
Click to expand...

uhm even crappy carpet will hold up 3 years to normal wear and tear.

But stains are not normal wear and tear. That is neglect. so yes he should replace it.

even $500 does not sound to high . Depends on the size of the room.

sounds like to me in the future he will be more careful about staining the carpet.
 
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: JDub02
Originally posted by: dnetmhz
You replace your carpet every 3 years?.. You must buy really sh!tty carpet!
Click to expand...

that's the kind of carpet an apartment complex uses .. the cheapest possible. my carpet sucks. the padding is completely crushed. stains on the carpet.

the problem is I originally sublet the apartment, so there was never an exit inspection for the last person.
Click to expand...

uhm even crappy carpet will hold up 3 years to normal wear and tear.

But stains are not normal wear and tear. That is neglect. so yes he should replace it.

even $500 does not sound to high . Depends on the size of the room.

sounds like to me in the future he will be more careful about staining the carpet.
Click to expand...

Apartment was 552 Square feet with 1/4th of it not carpeted.
 
Originally posted by: mAdMaLuDaWg
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: JDub02
Originally posted by: dnetmhz
You replace your carpet every 3 years?.. You must buy really sh!tty carpet!
Click to expand...

that's the kind of carpet an apartment complex uses .. the cheapest possible. my carpet sucks. the padding is completely crushed. stains on the carpet.

the problem is I originally sublet the apartment, so there was never an exit inspection for the last person.
Click to expand...

uhm even crappy carpet will hold up 3 years to normal wear and tear.

But stains are not normal wear and tear. That is neglect. so yes he should replace it.

even $500 does not sound to high . Depends on the size of the room.

sounds like to me in the future he will be more careful about staining the carpet.
Click to expand...

Apartment was 552 Square feet with 1/4th of it not carpeted.
Click to expand...

wow tiny apartment. let me guess a effiency apartment?

yeah then $500 is a little high. i would ask for proof that is what they paid. IF not close to $500 then take them to small claims court. BUT i do have to say if you stianed the carpet then you should pay to replace it. But i do agree $500 seems a little high.

by the way how much was the full deposit and monthly rent?

 
Unfortunately, you don't have any proof of what the carpet was like before hand. Also, 3 years is a rather short life for any carpet. You mentioned that the carpet was bad due to furniture, but you would be supprised how it will bounce back after a week or so. Even the more expensive carpet in my home will look crushed from furniture but takes a week to fully bounce back. Next time, take pictures before you move.
 
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: mAdMaLuDaWg
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: JDub02
Originally posted by: dnetmhz
You replace your carpet every 3 years?.. You must buy really sh!tty carpet!
Click to expand...

that's the kind of carpet an apartment complex uses .. the cheapest possible. my carpet sucks. the padding is completely crushed. stains on the carpet.

the problem is I originally sublet the apartment, so there was never an exit inspection for the last person.
Click to expand...

uhm even crappy carpet will hold up 3 years to normal wear and tear.

But stains are not normal wear and tear. That is neglect. so yes he should replace it.

even $500 does not sound to high . Depends on the size of the room.

sounds like to me in the future he will be more careful about staining the carpet.
Click to expand...

Apartment was 552 Square feet with 1/4th of it not carpeted.
Click to expand...

wow tiny apartment. let me guess a effiency apartment?

yeah then $500 is a little high. i would ask for proof that is what they paid. IF not close to $500 then take them to small claims court. BUT i do have to say if you stianed the carpet then you should pay to replace it. But i do agree $500 seems a little high.

by the way how much was the full deposit and monthly rent?
Click to expand...

yeah, tell me about it, I live in NJ and that was the cheapest in the area.
Well the rent was $890 a month and the deposit was around $1350

 
call a lawyer and ask them. no real point in asking for advice online since the laws will be different according to location. talk to a lawyer, find out what your situation is, then talk to the real estate company again with those in mind/hand. talk to someone in person, as high up as you can and bring proof.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top