Can a landlord charge you for damage while you are still living in the apartment?

Question

I paid a $750.00 deposit when I moved in last year. The mini-blinds need to be replaced and she wants me to pay for it right now. Is this legal? I live in Washington State.

Answer 1

Only if the mini blinds are a requirement of the property, or it says you will immediately repair any damage in your contract.  For example if this is a condo, and the condo requires mini blinds in place yes.  If there is no such requirement you are only required - you can wait till you move out.  

You typically return the property in similar state - not the exact same state as wear and tear is acceptable.

Answer 2

If they were like new when you moved in, and damaged now, you will have to pay for new ones sometime, so pay now unless you are going to continue damaging them. The landlord might not like the way your windows look from outside.

Answer 3

If the damage causes a health or safety issue, they can require that you pay to fix it right away. If it is something that creates an eye sore from the exterior, the same would apply.

It would really depend on exactly what broken mini-blinds entails.

Otherwise you wait until you move out.

Answer 4

If you damaged them, yes they can make you pay for them.

I lived in an apartment and broke the window, I was charged for it with my next rent.

If it was due to normal wear and tear, I don't believe they can.  It's a maintenance issue.

Answer 5

Of course it is legal.

If you, your guests or invitees damaged the blinds the landlord has every right to demand that they be repaired or replaced and charge you now. Why should she allow the place to look like a dump.

If there was something broken that was not caused by you, you'd want her to fix it ASAP, right?

Check your states landlord tenant laws. You are responsible for any damage to the premises (and it's fixtures) above and beyond normal wear and tear.

Your deposit does not come into play for damages until after you move out.