What should I do about my difficult landlord? She wants to keep my deposit!!??!!?

Question

I live in Texas. My landlord has really taken advantage of me from day one. She first gives me the house in very poor condition. No make ready had been done. The carpets were dirty (she said she had them steam cleaned) I have pictures that prove otherwise. Long story short, she gave me back $800 of my deposit so that I could clean and basically do all the make ready myself. Now its finally time for me to move out...I actually just moved. My lease officially ends on August 31th and she has the next tenants moving in on the 1st of September. She has told me that if I want to get my deposit back I need to have the house ready for the next people. She already had me steam clean the carpets and do basic cleaning and yardwork but now she wants me to clean the baseboards and touch up all the paint. I feel like thats her job....what are my rights and what should I do or say to ensure I get my full (remaining) deposit back ($1100) Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Get your proof together and get ready for court. I hope you took pictures and have all your receipts. You won't get what you spent back but there are certain things considered to be landlords work - she will have to do things to get it ready it's not down to you - but chances are she's thinking court will be too much work for you and hoping you don't catch on.

Answer 2

If you damaged the baseboards, did not clean or maintain the yard she has the right to deduct her costs from your deposit.  That is what the deposit if for.

You have a right to the remaining money, after she gets the house fixed up.   It is due to you by Sept 31.

Answer 3

.  YOu already know that she is wrong to do this. She does too.  But there are some times in life when you get a small can of paint and some cleaning supplies and you do the touch up.  

This is what turns people from renters into homeowners.  

Answer 4

get ready for a court appearance