Herndon, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: Need help on getting my security deposit which is unfairly held by my landlord.

We moved into a 17 year old house and only lived in it for a year. The landlord during the move out inspection told us about cleaning issues and carpet issues which we addressed by hiring her cleaners and carpet repairers and now she is claiming that we damaged the wood floors and emailed us that we need to pay for the damage. Also, that she has already fixed them and sending an invoice which covers our full deposit. She did write a point which says "Wood Floors" in the move out list and when probing on it she said that the floors were dirty.

Now, she has sent some pictures which she claims that one was taken before move in and other after move out. The second picture shows a little discoloration of wood and some old wear and tear scratches.

She did bring in a expert before move out to check out the floor but not once she mentioned us about paying for the floor. She conveniently took the full deposit after we transferred the money for the payment for carpet cleaner. VRLTA lease.

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1 Lawyer Answer
F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Under Virginia law, you will have to file a lawsuit against the landlord for your claims about the unneeded repairs and the failure of the landlord to return your security deposit.

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