Thread replies: 8
Thread images: 1
Thread images: 1
File: a1nspa6.jpg (2MB, 1250x1250px) Image search:
[Google]
2MB, 1250x1250px
I sublease a room in a house, and a former tenant is asking for her deposit back. I don't want to give it, because she completely neglected to take care of anything. She never cleaned and left the kitchen and bathroom in terrible condition. I had to put in a lot of my own time, effort, and money to get it back up to a livable standard. Now she's demanding I return her deposit and is threatening to sue me for it.
How should I respond to this? I slipped up and offered her a partial deposit just so I wouldn't have to deal with lawyers but she still hasn't responded. Please help.
>>
>>17161960
Housing laws vary from place to place, but if you can prove in court that she left the place in such disrepair that you used the deposit to restore the room so you can lease it again, you may be able to win. Gather your evidence!
>>
>>17161979
Basically this. We can't really help you unless we know where you're from. Sounds to me like she's just trying to scare you into giving you her money
>>
>>17161960
did you take pictures? did you keep receipts? did keep records on how much time you spent working on it?
If not you're an idiot. This goes for the lady as well.
>>
>>17161979
>>17162009
>>17162016
I don't really have any evidence, it was months ago and she's only now asking for it. Also I did most of the work myself and didn't keep receipts. The most I can do is try to make a list or spreadsheet of things I think I did and how much they cost. I do think she is trying to scare me, she's only asking because I think she planned on getting the money and never considered I wouldn't do it.
I just really don't want to get sued. What's the worst that can happen? Could I get charged with another offense for not paying immediately? Or is the worst case scenario that I have to pay the full amount? I don't want to get slapped with paying her legal fees or things either. I live in the US.
>>
>>17162030
I'm No.17161979--worse case scenario is that you WOULD have to pay her the full amount plus legal fees. If she is able to argue any other additional issues (unlivable conditions, unlawful eviction, harassment, theft, etc.) then the judge would again weight testimony and supportive evidence, but if it's just about the deposit, the judge will stick to that usually.
It always comes down to who's more credible, comes prepared to court and does NOT annoy the judge.
>>
>>17162030
>it was months ago
No court is going to take her seriously. If she felt she was entitled to the money, she'd have asked for it sooner.
You should go and see a lawyer if you're seriously concerned about it, but I promise you, she's all talk and no walk.
>>
>>17161960
Steal the money and get fucked thief.
Sonot cleaning is worse than stealing money right?
Thread posts: 8
Thread images: 1
Thread images: 1