Does my landlord have any legal right to withhold my security deposit due to a quote from a repair contractor?

Question

My washer's hose got loose.It leaked water into my neighbor's floor and carpet.I was billed for the water extraction hence I was sent a statement during my lease time.I have just moved out.I received a quote for some additional carpet and vinyl work for my neighbor's house dated four months before my lease termination date.I am just finding out about this.I was not notified about any balance or charges during my tenancy.Do they have the right to do this?

Answer 1

If this was damage caused by you, then yes they can withhold your deposit to cover the costs of the damage.  However, this doesn't sound so much like damage as just a broken hose - it this is the case this would go under normal wear and tear, and in this case the landlord is responsible for all costs.

So, yes they can do this, but if you feel this was normal wear and tear, not damage you caused, you can take them to court for the costs.

Answer 2

Yes, IF they had the work done by them. You are responsible for ACTUAL damage not for the estimate, if they use some other option.

But to be honest I would have billed you in full at the time of the damage, though I sure the statute of limitations gives at least 2 or 3 years.

Answer 3

They're notifying you in advance of a repair bill that for which they plan to hold you financially responsible. That's a lot better than having it sprung on you at the last moment.

Answer 4

I would refuse to allow it.  If it needed to be replaced and they got the estimates 4 months ago they should have supplied those to you at that time not wait until you moved out.

Answer 5

The damage was caused by you and you are responsible for all repairs.If you are smart you had renter's insurance to cover it.

Answer 6

Yes.

Answer 7

If it was your washer, the hose (along with its maintenance & wear and tear) was your responsibility and you are responsible for the damage caused by the hose breaking.

The damage happened during your tenancy, so the landlord has the right to deduct the cost (or quote) from your deposit.

You caused the damage. You pay. The statute of limitations is years for property damage.

Here is a link with the statute of limitations  for each state.

http://www.legalzoom.com/small-claims-gu...

If it has been the landlord's washer, it would have been his responsibility for the hose breaking, as wear and tear.

Answer 8

I would consult an attorney on this one.  

Answer 9

They have the right to do anything they want.  You have the right to sue them if you don't like what they did.  Your hose caused the problem and you are responsible for the cost to cure.  Did you have renter's insurance?  They may pay for it.