Cincinnati, OH asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio

Q: As renter who moved in May2018 never got a security deposit but got a bill for cleaning and damages. It that legal?

I paid my rent in full every month till the end of my lease. I just don't understand how they can suddenly send a collections agency after me for something I never knew was a cost and with no break down or reason for the cost other than "cleaning and damages." It doesn't seem right that they can do this months after you move away.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: It isn't illegal for a landlord to attempt to collect for damages, and to send to a collection agency, or to file a lawsuit to collect. But Ohio law requires landlord to send an itemized list of any damage within 30 days, and if you didn't get it, you have a defense. You would have a right to defend against the lawsuit and have a lawyer represent you. But a lawsuit becomes a permanent court record, and even if landlord does not sue, landlord could make an adverse entry on your credit record, lowering your credit score and making it more difficult to rent from a landlord who checks. Try to work it out.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.