Landlord sent the entire security deposit to me. He told me to have no shame in taking money for cleaning because he knew I was the last one to have to cleanup after everyone. With the help of my mom and a friend, it took 15+ hours to clean the house, not including bills, carpet steam cleaning, and damages charged by the landlord before the new lessees. The lease that we signed states, "lessor may tender any such security deposit to any of the lessee's at the lessor's sole discretion." Given Massachusetts' security deposit laws, who's the loser if this gets taken to small claims? Should I cave and give them their portion even though I got the shit end of the stick? I also gave fair warning to each of them and asked them to not leave a mess. I gave some money back, but subtracted the bills, expenses, and my cleaning efforts. Total deposit was $2135, I gave back about $800 (excluding my own portion)
I also compiled a list/bill of things I had to do, which is what I sent them, with total hours spent and approximate costs:
Area: Yard: Removal of rodent cage, trash placed in recycling bins back yard: rotting matter, feces Removal of trash from recycling bins, in front yard, cleaned and stacked for collection Removal of trash and debris from bushes: traffic cone, bottles, cans, paper, metal and glass objects Placement of firewood: porch and side of garage to drying rack
Area: Porch: Cleaning of porch in preparation of carpet steam-cleaning: -Removal of animal feces under carpet -Wood pile (see above) -cardboard boxes, cans, bottles, debris, footwear, cigarette ash and butts
Area: Garage: Removal of approx. 20 bags of trash, recyclables and other waste Removal of fly nest from window
Area: Bathrooms (1st and 2nd floor): Thorough cleaning of showers, tubs, sinks, counters, drains, closets: -1st floor toilet vomit and excrement stains removed -Mold and mildew removed from showers, curtains removed from 2nd floor -Shower drains unclogged -Debris removed from floors
Area: Kitchen: Removal of trash and debris from sink, cabinets, refrigerator: -Dishes left in dishwasher and sink -Pots and pans left in cabinets -Decaying food in refrigerator, cabinets, etc. was removed, along with waste/mold/toxins/debris from food items -Sanitation of refrigerator
Area: Living Room and Stairs: Debris and furniture removed, carpet cleaning -Pet odors, fur, and stains -Couches and tables placed outside
Area: Basement (other): Railing re-installed
Other (ctd): door knob replacement, purchase of 2 doorknobs, return of cable modem, mattresses removed from basement for extra charge per new lessee ($40+50)
Carpet steam cleaning service for porch, stairs, and living room, extra fees for pet urine, odors and fur (cost: $200) Final Bills: (electric and water) $84+124.60 Damage charges: $120.55
Estimate (cleaning only) approx. 17.8 hours (cleaning services charge $50/hr) = $891.00 Steam cleaning service (porch, stairs, living room): $200 Bills: $208.60 Damages: $120.55
Subtotal:$1,419.55 Fees/Others/Extra Labor, Gas & Mileage: $50 Total: $1,469.55
Submitted June 17, 2016 at 07:12AM by lumpytherabbit http://ift.tt/1URJAFI legaladvice
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