Q: can my landlord withhold my security deposit for pre-existing damages?
I recently moved and the landlord is taking 1100 of my 1500 deposit for damages to the house that were there when i moved in and for cleaning fees. everything that was left in the house was there upon my move in date. There is no lease agreement and the landlord didn't have a check list for me to document any damages. Is there anything i can do or am i out of luck?
A:
You can bring an landlord tenant action if the security deposit is withheld inappropriately and if there is no documentation about the condition of the place it will be hard for him to show you damaged it! If the lease called for a 'cleaning fee' it might not be allowable but if there is no lease agreement, then there can't be a provision requiring a fee!
Seek out a local landlord/tenant attorney ASAP as there are time limits for bringing this sort of suit!
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
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