Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Charging me for more then i owe!

I rented a house which wasnt cleaned very well, we werent provided with a check list before or after. Upon moving out we cleaned it very well, but didnt vacuum or clean carpet. I got a letter in the mail on saying we owe addition to our deposit for damages to the house.

#1. Repaint 3 walls- walls were dirty when we moved in.

#2. Damage to drywall around bedroom windows- The windows are old aluminum ones and they leak, plus the house doesnt have a foundation the whole area is wet.

We did call about different moisture problems, 1 in the bathroom and they sent a plumber. And living room was dripping water from ceiling. They checked it out but did nothing, now they are saying its our fault for not telling them spacifically about the bedroom windows.

#3. oven and fridge were dirty- my husband cleaned both himself and claims landlord is just wanting money.

#4. replace broken window in laundry room. We dont know anything about a broken window, we know we didnt break it! So it could have already been cracked before we moved in. I distinctly remember a dirty foot print on bedroom wall, and saying ''they didnt clean this house'' we had to clean after moving in. Also nicks on walls were there already. should i just pay the money?


Asked on 3/18/08, 7:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Charging me for more then i owe!

Under the Washington Residential Landlord Tenant Act, the landlord is responsible for providing you with the written checklist BEFORE you sign the lease, so that you may go through the home, noting the problems on the checklist. It must be signed by both you and the landlord at the time of signing the lease.

If no checklist was provided, then the landlord has no right to keep the security deposit. If he fails to return it within 14 days, then you may be entitled to double the original security deposit.

Read more
Answered on 3/18/08, 11:45 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Washington