Has anyone ever had problems dealing with Southern Management apartments overcharging for post-inspection?

Question

We recently lived in a Southern Management apartment complex in Cockeysville, MD. After we moved out, they sent us a letter stating that we owe them $950 to replace the carpet due to excessive dog urine. They already used our $200 security deposit to go towards it. Now then want $750 more.

I know that there was not excessive dog urine on the carpet. Is this a scam? Do they have the right to make us pay the extra $750? Does anyone know if that is stated in the Southern Management Contract?

Answer 1

Welcome to the world of owning a dog in a rental.  Your $200 deposit was never intended to cover ALL possible damages.  It's merely a downpayment against all possible damages caused by your pet.

I don't blame the management for insisting on carpet replacement, if your dog urinated on it.  No matter how thoroughly carpets are shampooed, the urine odor comes back.  If your dog only urinated on the carpet ONCE, and the odors cannot be removed, THAT is excessive urine.

If you do not want this to happen again, you can always get rid of the dog.

Answer 2

THis is a borderline scam.  In the future, do not leave without doing your final walkthru with the manager.  If she is busy, wait until she isn't busy. Once you leave, the cheating begins.

COntact Judge Judy and Judy will roast Southern Management.  I bet they have done this to 200 tenants and never replaced the "urine" carpet. /