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In my lease, it states, that my landlord can charge $75/hr in lieu of hiring contractors to do any repairs that may need done after I move out. Can he do this? He said the reason is, it is much cheaper, thus I will be getting more of my deposit back.
Last edited by BstYet2Be; 07-08-2012 at 04:45 PM..
Reason: moved from the Dallas Forum
Unless it is damage that YOU directly caused, then why would he be charging you for repairs to his property? If it is normal wear and tear, such as repainting or recaulking, then that's part of his cost of maintaining the property.
In my lease, it states, that my landlord can charge $75/hr in lieu of hiring contractors to do any repairs that may need done after I move out. Can he do this?
This question can only be answered by the Judge at your local rent court.
In my experience and observation... I'd say the LL has a tough haul to get it.
Most Judges will consider the LL's time to be a part of operating their business.
What the LL can do however is create a menu of flat rate charges to "remedy deficiencies found".
If these don't itemize the labor vs material, contracted help or himself... it's just a job list.
When you sign such a document at move in... you'll agree to such a deal.
The specific amounts on such a menu however will still need to pass muster with the local judge.
If they're not unreasonable they'll fly which is the bottom line in all of this.
So... charging $75per hour for skilled trade work is reasonable.
For cleaning, clearing and similar general labor work $75 is outrageous.
My father used to hire my brother and I to clean the apartments after tenants moved out. He paid us $50/hour for cleaning and repair of anything that was not normal wear and tear and that amount was billed to the tenants. He was never sued and has never ended up in court for any of the charges, as the amount is less than what would be paid to a cleaning service or handyman.
So short answer, probably legal. He's charging the money/fee for work done that should have been done by the tenant on move out. At least that is how I am interpreting it.
In my lease, it states, that my landlord can charge $75/hr in lieu of hiring contractors to do any repairs that may need done after I move out. Can he do this? He said the reason is, it is much cheaper, thus I will be getting more of my deposit back.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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$75/Hour for repairs is a bargain. A handyman would charge that or more, a contractor would be well over $100. If the lease says you pay for repairs when you move out then it should all be perfectly legal. Just get good pictures when you are leaving, and if there was any damage when you moved in, you should have taken pictures then too.
$75/Hour for repairs is a bargain.
A handyman would charge that or more, a contractor would be well over $100.
In Seattle that may be true.
Around here and from what I've seen in Texas... no way.
Quote:
If the lease says you pay for repairs...
You pay. The issues remain:
1) whether the work is a skilled craft or just general labor.
2) what the local judge tolerates as typical or reasonable
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