Q: my former tenant states that he is not responsible for carpet cleaning after 3 years, chimney cleaning or broken fire
place starter or crack in back wall of fireplace.
A: If the damage done to the carpet, chimney, and fireplace is beyond normal wear and tear for a three year period, then your former tenant would be responsible for the cost of repair. If you are still within the 30 days of your tenant leaving the property, you can send them a letter with a list of the damages. The letter should indicate how much if any of the security deposit you are returning. If the security deposit does not cover the total cost of repair, the letter can also include an invoice for the remaining repairs. If your former tenant refuses to pay for the repairs, you can bring a lawsuit for the damages. Pictures (or a video taken during the final walk through) of the damage may be helpful. Of course, it is always best to consult with an attorney and provide all relevant documentation for their review.
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.
