Was renting for $1250 for 2 years ($1250 security deposit), rent was raised to $1300 during the 3rd lease term and had to give another $50 to bring the security deposit equal to one months rent. Moved out of our rental on February 11th, gave my forwarding address that day. Landlords helper did the walk through and took keys, said everything looked great and she saw nothing that would stand out as needing repair. We patched AND PAINTED all the holes from TV, picture frames etc. Folding closet doors never worked because they weren't installed properly, so I took the one we used the most off the track and stored it in the basement in like-new condition.
30 days comes and goes with no communication at all from landlord and he wouldnt provide his cell number (insisted we communicate through online property managememt portal, which stopped working after the lease ended). Start messaging his helper who's number I do have, she says she'd remind him as he probably forgot. Message her every few days until 45 days after lease ended. Still no security deposit, or invoice.
I send landlord a friendly/professional email asking for my deposit back, and no response. Finally on 4/7 he sends me the invoice, calling out $1250 deposit (wrong) and he took $200 for "patch and paint walls, and replace closet door." And he actually put 4/7 as the date of those charges, over 50 days after we moved out. Mind you, a new tenant moved in days after we left. Called helper and she said she'd message him, and gave me a different email to use for him. After the weekend i get a check in the mail for $1050. So I send a long, detailed, stern and professional email demanding the other $50 from the rent increase, and the other $200 that he charged for things I know he didn't have to fix. Asked for a response by 4/19, and that if he wanted we could use the state small claims court to mediator.
No response, texted helper and she says deposits go out May 1st, but seems to have forgotten the situation already. Re-explain that I'm waiting on the other $250, and she says she'll forward my message.
What are my options here?? This is beyond frustrating. In the time I lived there I hardly asked him for anything; on the contrary I was always the one having to fix things and wait for him to venmo me reimbursements. I haven't deposited the $1050 check for fear that if I do, I some how agree to the invoice from which it was generated. Should I at least deposit that and then go to court for the other $250? Or should I not deposit it and continue to fight for the rightful amount?
Sorry we're actually already at capacity, you'll have to wait until someone leaves. /s
This ad popped up on my Reddit feed. What the fuck am I looking at?
Michigan