Am I responsible for damage from my previous lease?

Question

Last year I signed a one year lease with two other people for a two bedroom apartment, which ended in May. At that time, I and another roommate signed a new lease for this year. My other roommate, who had graduated and moved out received his full portion of the security deposit back.

I know that over the course of the year some damage was incurred and that the landlords will most likely charge us for it, but since it occurred during the previous year, and the security deposit was paid back in full to my departing roommate, does that mean they have technically found the apartment in good condition and absolved us of any wrongdoing?

If that is the case, when our new lease is up next May, are we legally obligated to pay for damage which occurred during the previous year's lease period, given the fact that the full security deposit was paid back?

How should I go about fighting the landlord if they do not cooperate with us?

Thank you.

Answer 1

i never expect my lease back if i get it thats a nice bonus

Answer 2

Simple...if you caused damage to the apartment at any time...you will be held responsible when it comes time to move.  If there is not enough money left in security to cover the damages, the landlord can sue for the excess.

Answer 3

You are responsible for any damage caused to the premises while you resided in it.

The landlord only assesses damage once all occupants have vacated the property.