Moving into a dirty house... (Hayward: rentals, credit, tenant)

[babygrn1]

Hello...
I'm new to the forum and noticed that some of the topics have to do with renting issues. I live in California and am getting ready to move into a house managed by a Property Management Co. I viewed the house last week and agreed to apply for it. I was approved on the condition that I pay an additional deposit as my credit isn't strong (divorce).

Anyway, I had asked the manager if I could get the keys a couple days early to go clean up a bit before I move my things in. Now when I asked to do this it was merely to give it a quick overall and disinfecting. When I arrived there tonight the place was filthy. There hadn't been any cleaning done by the prior tenant nor the management company. Is this legal? The carpets hadn't been shampooed either, is this legal?

I paid a lot of money to rent this place and don't feel it's my responsibility to clean someone else’s filth. Not to mention that if I hadn't have asked for the keys early I would have scheduled to move my thing into a filthy house! I'm going to talk to the manager tomorrow but want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row when I do. Does anyone have any advice on this matter?
I'd appreciate the input!

Thanks!
Babygrn1

[Ultrarunner]

Don't accept the unit if it is not in the condition agreed to in the Rental Agreement. You are doing the right thing by calling it to management's attention before you move in.

Most Rental Agreements have a "Condition and Inventory" form. This form is very important to you, because it will be used to determine excessive wear and tear and damages on your departure.

The form works both ways... it is your best defense against security deposit deductions for pre-existing damage and the mgmt company will also use it as the basis of tenant caused damages.

Try to be as specific as possible regarding items not as promised and make a short list if necessary.

I'm not taking sides... but, it is possible the mgmt misunderstood and believed the unit cleanliness was acceptable to you in it's present condition and took into consideration that you would undertake the final cleaning responsibility.

Legal generally refers to specific conditions regarding the units habitability under the law and mostly deals with hazards and safety issues.

The jurisdiction my also have additional requirements if the unit falls under Rent Control... Hayward requires a certificate of compliance for most residential rentals in order for the unit to be lawful.

Remember, actions now by both parties will greatly influence your future satisfaction living there.

Good Luck!

[babygrn1]

Thank you for your response. Since my post I've typed up a letter to the Management and sent it by email for the documentation. I'm not living in Hayward, I had just responded to a post about Hayward since I'm from a city nearby there. I guess all I can do now is wait for the Management company to respond to my letter and see where it goes.

Thanks again for your response. I appreciate your input!

[Donn2390]

You can darn well know the mng company charged the last tenant a cleaning fee to put the place back in top condition. The house should have been completely detailed before renting it out again.
My guess either the owner/manager isn't aware of the condition, or he/she is a slum lord. The company may have many rentals and this one slipped through the cracks. That is no excuse, but things do happen. If manager isn't willing to put it into top condition, get your deposit back, because living with and dealing with a manager like that will only go down hill from here...!