jeudi 15 novembre 2018

Moving Out: Vacate Fees. Who is Responsible

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

I currently have someone in my family who's just vacated their apartment after leasing it for about 4 years. As he was expecting a portion of his deposit to be returned after they went through the inspection, he instead was charged for additional fees:

  • Apartment Carpet Cleaning - $185
  • Apartment Cleaning - $178
  • Leased Rent (11/12/2018) - 1 day - $92


What's bothersome, is the "Leased Rent" is charged 1 full week after he was already fully out on 11/04/2018. We are both confused by this! It seems like they just added on an additional Fee almost as if to penalize him for having vacated.

Throughout the 4 years, there's been no issues up until now as he is leaving. But, it seems they are just wanting to get a few extra bucks as he leaves which is really quite disappointing.

It goes to the heart of the question: who's responsible for apartment cleaning after a 4 year lease? To be clear, yes he did clean the apartment: vacuumed, washed, and left the apartment looking very clean. It seems like after 4 years, they are going to have to clean the apartment and replace the carpet for a new tenant most likely anyway. Why is he being charged for that normal wear and tear? What bounds the Landlord from just adding any fee they want to charge to get additional money out of the tenant once they left? The landlord may as well add on fees for Dishwasher, Dryer, ceiling fan, stove, microwave....just have the tenant pay for it all....why not.

The charges seem suspect. I'd like to know what others think? It's not the end of the world here, but it's simply understanding what is the 'norm' as to what people would often pay for vacating their apartment?

They sent him a letter stating that he has 7 days to pay it. If he doesn't the delinquent balance will be sent to the credit bureau.

It's fine to pay for things that one should pay for. But, it is bothersome if they are simply taking advantage of him like they may be doing to others as well.

At this point, just kindly helping to look for some advice and to better understand for myself as well.


Moving Out: Vacate Fees. Who is Responsible

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