We moved out of our duplex on Jan1, 2006 month to month gave em 30 days notice etc. In Oregon you must provide (within 30 days) a reason for non return of deposit to a tenant. On Feb 8, 2007 (yes more than a month later...) an invoice is prepared which I receive by mail a week later...uh...you owe us 368.00 for moving out expenses . My wife and I..and two friends cleaned the place thoroughly and I took digital pics as well.

When we moved the superintendant informed us that she would be gone for new years weekend. So we left the keys inside addressed to her and locked the premises. Since she wasnt there we didn't do a final walk through.

The statement said 13 hours for cleaning and 10 hours maintenance but no break down. I called and requested a copy of the cleaning and maintenance invoice as I want to know where these "so called" hours came from. I suspect "padding" the bill at work here.

Should we be correct in our suspicions what would be the best way to go here? I am trying to get a feel on how to word the letter to them covering both the delay in receiving it and the "padded" fees.

Thanks as always for your input.It is most appreciated.



Best,



Kev

Well, hindsight is 20/20 so I would say your mistake was not having someone walk through the place with you and sign off on the condition of it, and also formally request your deposit back, if it was marked as a non-refundable depost'.

I did a quick search, and you're only responsible for leaving it in the same condition as you walked into it with.

The time limit seems quite dodgy, but I'm wondering if they kept your depost AND she wants more money now?

You need to either speak to someone familiar with tenant law in your state, or read the net and try to find out the answer.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&cli...amp;btnG=Search

start there! good luck

edit: I meant if it was marked a refundable deposit

A good thing you have the digital pics--as copies can be used as evidence.

What this supe is doing is not "padding"--it's flat-out fraud.

Research here before you send a letter: http://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1260.htm (it's 31 days, for example)

I'm an Oregon landlord; I encourage you to pursue this (the State Bar offers some pro bono links if you don't want to research yourself and can't afford a lawyer--there may be a tenant's advocacy group in Salem, too).

Also check your original rental agreement before you get nuclear. Standard cleaning is part of the non-refundable charges in my building. Refundable deposits are deposits--protection against excessive damage/wear/tear.

Hey thanks alot folks..appreciate the help..well the original bill just showed 26 hours cleaning and maintenance er..nothing else.....I asked for a break down..(although they are supposed to send that originally) and after looking at it I am rather suspicious of some costs...cleaning garage ..it was perfect...bedrooms and bathroom were cleaned by us...they weren't hospital clean..but definately allright.Heater ducts and vents???What? Is tenant supposed to clean that LOL...Replace furnace filters....???what???

Here is what I want to say:

1.That the "charges" are in excess of what I believe should have accounted to us and there were things that we shouldnt have been charged outright..(furnace filters?Heater ducts??)

2. That they violated the time fram to give me an explanation by having 31 days to tell me that they weren't going to give me my deposit. I had forwrded mail as of Dec.22nd from USPS so that is no excuse..) I didnt receive the statement of charges until FEb. 14 and it was PREPARED on Feb 8th...!! It was already in violation 0f 31 days when it was prepared...I believe in Oregon I can ask for double my deposit if they fail the 31 day criterion..

3. We have no record of a late fee from March 2006 and it seems highly suspicious that no attempt was made to contact us regarding an outstanding late fee till now...

Anyone know a good website for writing a letter like this? (or anyone a lawyer) LOL I used to be okay but I'm having a really tough time getting started..

Basically I want the costs reassessed and lowered to 1.remove the late fee 2. dispute some of the work done....

Should I include the old "without prejudice" BTW? Probably wouldn't hurt...

Thanks folks..I appreciate your time..

Best,

Kev