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I found a duplex in a neighborhood I really liked on 6/4/2013. The duplex was not in good condition, but I signed the papers, and the landlord informed me that she would have the place cleaned and painted. We agreed that we would meet on Friday 6/14/2013, so she could give her contractor time to clean, paint, and remove furniture/junk.
On Friday 6/14/2013, she sends me an e-mail and then texts me letting me know she left my key in the mailbox. I thought it was strange that she would cancel last minute but decided to leave work early to check out the place.
The place was a mess. The paint job was adequate, but there were splatters of paint on the floor. It still smelled awful from the guy who previously resided there. The basement was a mess, and I think they kept animals there. It was not painted. The bathroom was disgusting, and the kitchen still needed a lot of cleaning. I took pictures and a video of everything. I might have to take out the sound, because there were quite a few effs.
Prior to hiring movers to remove the junk and contacting someone regarding deep cleaning the home, I contacted my landlord via e-mail (I need to track everything now). She did not address the fact that I was paying $400+ for something I shouldn’t be doing as a tenant. When I wrote her back, I requested a reduction in next month’s rent in lieu of reimbursement for the junk removal/cleaning services. This was on Saturday. On Monday morning she responds.
Hi J, I’m not sure what junk you are referring to as there wasn’t anything left in the unit. As far as cleaning I know the bathroom needed additional cleaning as well as the oven but otherwise all was left in broom clean condition. I will not pay for any junk removal but will consider a small amount for cleaning. Provide that invoice and we can discuss it. Thanks
I do not want to respond to her just yet, because I need to gather my resources. Also, I’m exhausted. I just moved to another state, I started a job, and I found this place in a perfect neighborhood with amazing neighbors.
One thing I know that’s my problem is signing the lease prior to having the place “cleaned.” I just loved the neighborhood and saw so much potential. And I had just moved to a new city and because finding rentals tends to be difficult, I decided to pounce on something that seemed like a good opportunity for me. And because I’ve had such good experiences with rentals in the past, I was gullible enough to think this would be like all of the others.
I have plenty of pictures to provide (over twenty), and I do not think the condition of the duplex is livable. It smells awful. There were poo stains on the inside of the toilet. The bathtub still had dirt all over it. The person who lived there before me obviously did not care about maintaining the place, and I’m surprised to find a landlord who doesn’t care either.
I am formulating my response and am planning to include pictures, but I’d like some advice on what to do, because I just don’t want to get screwed over. I do fear her retaliating, but I shouldn’t be scared for communicating this with her. I’m willing to help keep her place clean and livable, but I’d like to be reimbursed for it. That’s her job, not mine.
Any help you guys could provide is appreciated.
Thanks
In addition to taking photos, you shouldn't have had the place cleaned before insisting the landlord meet you at the house. You shouldn't have paid $400 for cleaning and now expect the LL to pay for it without prior commitment. But, oh well, you love the neighborhood and you like the house. Ask your landlord to come over and see the house so she can get a whiff of the pet scents you are upset about. Have your photos and any cleaning invoices (make sure you keep a copy) to present her. You really do need to have a face 2 face meeting. There are many things that can be done about bad odors, but your landlord really does need to be there with you to discuss all this.
You don't have to live in it like it is. If it isn't clean enough, then get to work and start cleaning.
I agree, it is not nice to hand over a dirty apartment. But take into consideration that you like the area and rentals are hard to find. I suspect that rent is cheap with a place that the landlord thinks is OK to leave in that condition. With a deep cleaning, you know you will be happy there.
Just take lots of photos to show the conditions before you moved in in case there is any problem about getting your deposit returned.
The good news is that you will get your full security deposit back LOL! You only have to get the place back to the state it was in when you rented it (at least in CA), and you can only be charged for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Also, you are happy with the neighborhood, etc., which is great. So, I guess you should get what you can out of the landlord, but if you can do it without making your relationship with the LL horrible, that would be good. To do that, you will have to likely eat some costs to get the place to your standard of clean and smelling good. But, oh well. Could have been worse. Could have been a nice smelling, clean place in a horrible neighborhood...
Well now that its done, I would see if she would at least be agreeable to giving you a $200 reduction off of your rent (half). That way you would only be out half of the money you spent. She might agree to it if you hint that you plan to be there for a long time and won't be a problem tenant. Just be careful in the way you approach her with it. Good luck and keep us posted.
It is important to think ahead to when the time comes to move out. You need to document, in writing, to the landlord the condition the place was in when you moved it, so they don't expect you to clean it to that degree when you move out. Document all the problems now both in an effort to get her to refund you, but also so you can't be charged for some of them down the road when you move out.
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