Q: My apartment is charging me double what I agreed and signed off on in order to break the lease, is this legal?
I broke my lease due to loud neighbors and the dog next door trying to bite me, both issues of which the office failed to address. My rent is $1,073 a month. I signed an agreement in my lease to pay $2,146. While I verbally made them aware I wanted to break the lease, they neglected to tell me that I needed a written notice. I eventually saw it in my lease, so, I understand now that they are greedy and out to get what they can from unsuspecting resident. They are charging me $1,073 for not notifying them properly, and $575 in fees due to "excessive nails in walls", "carpet" and "cleaning" fees. Our apartment was thoroughly clean before we left. I made the terrible mistake of rushing to Atlanta and forgot to take pictures. I only have video of the fridge I cleaned because I wanted to show someone. At least if they lie about that, then I have proof. The whopping total is $3,900. It's outrageous. Please, let me know what steps to take next and if legal action can be taken.
A: It would be impossible to answer your question without reviewing your lease. I would suggest contacting an attorney in your area and having them review the lease. In regards to the damages to the property, the landlord would have to make a claim for your security deposit and there is a specific process which they must follow to do this. Again, an experienced lawyer will be able to assist you with this as well.
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