Reasonable deduction from security deposit

I have to give my landlord notice on my apartment and I'm anticipating him giving me issues. It's just his way.

So before I call him, I'm getting all my ducks in a row. He has repainted between tenants before and we have small holes in the walls from picture frames - about 10 of them.

Then there was a larger hole - the size of a quarter - next to the front door.

Besides that, everything else is as it was when we moved in.

If he balks, I'm prepared to tell him to deduct a certain amount of money to repair these things himself. My question to you is what that amount should be.

Before you say it, I know we can do it ourselves. I'm just covering myself, if we decide to go this route.

Do you think $100. is fair? Thanks.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

I wouldn't factor in the tiny picture holes. That's part of the normal wear and tear of living there. Unless your lease forbids you from hanging things on your walls, you shouldn't be responsible for the cost to patch the holes. I've never been charged for that.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

put toothpaste in the little holes, that will cover them up.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

I would think if it is a matter of a quarter sizd hole and some holes from hanging pics it is far less than $100.00 to fix. Maybe 50 bucks.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

I would get my full security back! It's your home and you have lived there, just like when you close on a house and see little holes where pictures were, you have to expect that. If he gives you a hard time, I would tell him either take $15-$25 to not deal with the headache and call it a day or fix it yourself and it will be cheaper.

Good luck

Message edited 11/1/2007 3:35:57 PM.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

I would go to HD or Lowes spend 5 dollars on a small tub of spackle and fix them myself. I'm sure he will paint again before new tenants move in. Why give him anymore than you have to especially if he's an AS@H%$LE...

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

Posted by bigtrux707

I would go to HD or Lowes spend 5 dollars on a small tub of spackle and fix them myself. I'm sure he will paint again before new tenants move in. Why give him anymore than you have to especially if he's an AS@H%$LE...

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

For the picture holes, I'd say that is normarl wear. In some municipalities in order to get a new CO between tenants you have to repaint, so that wouldn't be an issue

The quarter size hole will take him maybe 15 min to patch then maybe 15 more to sand and paint.

I'd say $50 is plenty for a half hour work, but honestly I don't hink he should charge you at all.

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

Thanks guys. I got his voice mail of course, so I left him a message.

I realized yesterday that he doesn't have a key to the apartment. We got the realtor's key when we moved in and the only other key there was.

So when/if we do the 'walk through' prior to giving us the security back, one of us has to be there to let him in. Or to save him the trouble, we can leave the key with the people upstairs... Providing we have the security.

I think I will go and get a small piece of sheetrock and some spackle. I know how to patch holes, well at least I've seen it done. Then he'll have no excuse whatsoever.

Thanks again everyone!!

Re: Reasonable deduction from security deposit

If he gives you a hard time remind him that the security deposit was in an interest bearing account as required by law and you want to know how much interest was accrued over the time you rented then he may deduct what he wants.
You can verify this and other landlord/tenant laws at the NY Attorney Generals website.