Apt Security Deposit (Los Angeles: rent, legal, floor)

[clairbear]

I had a rent controlled apt in Studio City for 10 years. My carpet was old and nasty when I moved in so I took it up after 5 years but the floor had intense water damage -- so I painted it since the manager refused new carpet.

Now the owner is asking me to pay to have the whole floor refinished even though it was a mess when I painted. In fact they had to use stain to cover up the water damage. Personally, I would not have a problem with splitting the fee but there does not seem to be any quid pro quo.

A few things:
1 she forgot to include the interest she owes me from having my damage deposit for 10 years.

2 she also neglects to acknowledge I actually saved her money for not having to paint within those ten years which they legally are required to do

3 nor was there any mention of the savings in not having to supply a new carpet which they are also legally required to do within that time frame

4 Nor was there any offering of reimbursement or the like of the new tiles I put in to replace the ones that were falling apart in the bathroom

Any suggestions or resources would be most appreciated in getting legal documentation for the above mentioned issues.

Thank you!

[BennyPhoenix]

Los Angeles rent control does not have time frames for painting and carpeting. Those are done as needed. BUT, after 10 years you should not be required to pay for any painting or carpeting; it is considered beyond the lifespan of them.
The interest on the deposit will be chickenfeed, but you are owed it.
Contact the LA Housing dept for info on your issues.

[nmnita]

I think you need to contact L.A. housing, but for the rest, I don't know if you can win this one or not. You did take up the carpeting, regardless of the condition, which I imagine was awful. You may be stuck unfortunitely, but do talk to them and see if you have a leg to stand on. Please get back and let us know how you come out. Good luck,

Nita

[Julian Eli Capata]

Ask for your security deposit back plus back interest for the ten (10) years. If you don't get it back within 21 days, go to small claims court.

See http://www.yourlegalcorner.com/artic...and&ID=89#Rent, good site to check on current rates. Google "security deposit interest rent control los angeles" might lead you to what you need to know.

[KnoxTown]

Did you take pictures?