Bad Landlord- Do I have any bargaining power?

Question

This is actually my old landlord. They were horrible while we lived there, the ac and heat were always broke. Tried at all costs to avoid speaking to us. If we left a message they would never call back, eventually someone would show up to fix it. Anyway, we moved out, cleaned the extremely old and somewhat permanently dirty apt to the best of our ability. Now they are keeping our $300 deposit saying the oven and cabinets were dirty. Also one light bulb needs to be replaced and a string on the 40 year old blinds busted. When I call or right a letter is there anything I can say that would actually convince them to do honest business? Or should I just call it a loss?

Answer 1

From what you said you may have a good case, however what you need to consider is that if you decide to sue you will have to pay some costs up front that are not cheap (filing fees, service fees) and you will have to take time to appear in court.

Only you can decide, if there is a tenant's rights group in your town they may be able to help guide you on the most prudent course of action

Answer 2

They seem to have violated the 30 day rule on from notice to repair, a landlord must

repair something.

Dirty items are paid for out of the

cleaning deposit==if they can prove the

condition.

I suggest suing them for withholding the

deposit; if you are found right, you get

extra cash too!

ITs up to you.  $300 can be reduced to zero quickly by a judge.