Security Deposit Return Question (apartments, lease, tenants)

[cadet311]

Good evening everyone,

I have a few questions regarding the return of my security deposit.

After completing a two-year lease, our landlord had emailed us with the following charges...

-Re-Paint Front and Master bedroom doors
Scuff marks from bags/boxes rubbing against

-Re-Place bathroom toilet seat
Broke during the 2 years of residence.

-Spackle and Re-Paint Living room wall
There were three holes in the living room wall - 2 smaller than a pinky nail and one the size of a quarter - from securing furniture.

-Remove Black Stains from Carpets
-These were hidden under a "welcome mat" of carpet when we moved in - never took pictures - and we did not place the welcome mat back when we left.

-Loose Tiles in Kitchen
We had made our landlord aware of issues with the kitchen tile and grout one year ago. He had stated he would be over to repair/fix them. We noted no improvement in the situation - we don't think the work was ever done.

TOTAL Estimations for repairs with labor costs are $535.00

Are those costs appropriate?

I'm the type of person who would first like to handle things in a man-to-man conversation. Is that a worthy step or might I be burning my wheels?

Lastly, my landlord has been making these communications via email. No registered "snail mail". Would that be an issue or is email as good as regular mail now?

I appreciate any replies.
Thank you

[manderly6]

I would question the tiles and the carpet since they don't seem to be your fault. Can't hurt to say something. Keep in mind if you reply to the email you are going to show evidence that you received the notice. But I honestly have no idea if email is an acceptable form of communication from the LL about this.

[NJcost$$]

Hope this info helps:

Getting your security deposit back
The Rent Security Deposit Act states what a landlord must do with your security deposit when you move out, even if you move out before your lease is over. Within 30 days after you move out, the landlord must return your security deposit and interest, less any rent you owe or any charges for repairing damage that you have done to the property. If the landlord deducts any amounts for damages or rent, he or she must give you a complete list of the damages he or she claims you did to the property and the cost of repairs. The landlord must send you the list of damages by registered or certified mail, and the landlord must return to you any money left over from your security deposit. Cite: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.
The landlord can only charge you for property damage that is more than ordinary wear and tear. Ordinary wear and tear means damage that takes place from the normal, careful use of the property. Examples of normal wear and tear are faded paint on the walls, loose tile in the bathroom, window cracks caused by winter weather, or leaky faucets or radiators. Examples of damages that might not be ordinary wear and tear are large holes in the walls caused by nailing up decorations, cigarette burns on floors, or a broken mirror on the bathroom cabinet.
Landlords cannot charge cleaning fees to tenants who leave their apartments broom clean. Landlords often try to deduct such fees, as well as fees for painting.
There are steps you can take to prevent a landlord from charging you for ordinary wear and tear, cleaning, or painting. Before you move out, ask the landlord or superintendent to personally inspect the apartment. Then ask that person to sign a note stating that you left the apartment clean and undamaged. If you cannot get the landlord or superintendent to inspect the unit, have a friend do so. Ask your friend to take photographs, and sign and date them. If you have a friend do this, make sure the friend can go to court with you if necessary. If you end up in court, the judge will not accept a letter from your friend as evidence.