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Mere09
So Dam* Lucky
Member since 10/08 6368 total posts
Name:
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Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
So we rent a house in Georgia and the rental company sent us a notice today that we violated the terms of our lease because 2 cats were seen in our house during the visual walk-through that we had in January. Each cat is a $250 charge that we must pay to the owners of the house.
1. We don't have any cats. Never have.
2. We have nothing in our house that would indicate that we might have cats.
3. We were present during the walk-through and would have noticed a couple of cats wandering into our house.
4. We do have 1 dog which we disclosed when we signed the lease and paid the $250 non-refundable pet deposit.
What actions can we take?? This company has been horrible to deal with from the start and we're afraid that they're trying to scam us out of $500!!! Our lease is up on March 31st and we're not renewing because we're moving back to Wisconsin. So we're getting ready to make our last rental payment in a few days.
Obviously we wrote back to the property manager right away and said there must be some mistake because we don't have cats (she doesn't do the actual walk-throughs herself)...and she basically just wrote us back and said that that's what was noted on the paperwork and that she would look further into it. It was a man and woman that showed up for the walk-through (people we have never dealt with before) and the man was taking pictures of the house. I'd love to see photos of these cats that we unknowingly have living with us!!!
I am LIVID!!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Posted 2/20/13 2:45 PM  |
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Paramount
Sweet!
Member since 7/12 4289 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
What *I* would do.
Ask to see the pictures. Speak to the manager. Try to clear everything up.
See if you can speak to the people that did the walkthrough, or even ask to do another one.
IMHO if they are REALLY trying to screw you out of $500 I would "fight" tooth and nail. Even if it came down to asking a neighbor that knew you well to write a note to the office saying you never had a cat.
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| Posted 2/20/13 4:42 PM |
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Mere09
So Dam* Lucky
Member since 10/08 6368 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
Posted by Paramount
What *I* would do.
Ask to see the pictures. Speak to the manager. Try to clear everything up.
See if you can speak to the people that did the walkthrough, or even ask to do another one.
IMHO if they are REALLY trying to screw you out of $500 I would "fight" tooth and nail. Even if it came down to asking a neighbor that knew you well to write a note to the office saying you never had a cat.
I wish there were a neighbor that knew us well, but we only lived there since last April so we don't know any of the neighbors well enough to get them involved. Good suggestion though.
I sent the manager an email again today for some sort of update, and she STILL has not written me back (I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not...she's horrible). I wonder if I should just let it die and see if she ever even gets back to me about it? Because I've now reached out to her twice since she said she would look further into it, with no response from her.
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| Posted 2/21/13 7:23 PM |
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tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
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Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
I would demand they come back out and demand proof of any cat. I would remind them you have the dog, as noted in your lease, not cats.
Also, make sure you photograph every nook and cranny after you move. Repair every hole, even if it's a tack hole, and clean it spotless. Demand they do the walkthrough with you and sign off on it so they don't screw you over on the security and claim damages.
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| Posted 2/21/13 9:08 PM |
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Re: Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
I would also think about making your March rental payment from your security deposit.
From when I rented and just dealing with management companies in general for work, they do everything in their power to avoid giving it back to you anyways.
ETA: This is also in ADDITION to what the other ladies mentioned trying first.
Message edited 2/22/2013 8:07:53 AM.
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| Posted 2/22/13 8:06 AM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
Stop e-mailing and send real letters, certified mail return receipt.
The onus is on the rental company to prove that you have cats, which you deny.
The need to sumbit physical proof that you have cats in order to substantiate the $500 charge. Without proof, it's only heresay.
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| Posted 2/22/13 9:13 AM |
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Paramount
Sweet!
Member since 7/12 4289 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
Posted by Mere09
Posted by Paramount
What *I* would do.
Ask to see the pictures. Speak to the manager. Try to clear everything up.
See if you can speak to the people that did the walkthrough, or even ask to do another one.
IMHO if they are REALLY trying to screw you out of $500 I would "fight" tooth and nail. Even if it came down to asking a neighbor that knew you well to write a note to the office saying you never had a cat.
I wish there were a neighbor that knew us well, but we only lived there since last April so we don't know any of the neighbors well enough to get them involved. Good suggestion though.
I sent the manager an email again today for some sort of update, and she STILL has not written me back (I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not...she's horrible). I wonder if I should just let it die and see if she ever even gets back to me about it? Because I've now reached out to her twice since she said she would look further into it, with no response from her.
Under NO circumstances should you "let it die". By ignoring it you give them the opportunity to take your money.
Its time to look up the laws of ny and whats rights you have as a tenant.
I lived in NJ and had a big problem with my landlord. I left that apartment SO immaculate that he met the new tennant during my walkthrough and gave the new guy the keys! I videotaped the walk through because I didnt trust him. He tried to nick me on the 10 year old carpet that was faded from the sun, but I nipped that in the bud.
In NJ thay had 30 days to return my security deposit, or notify me of why they were keeping my money. After 30 days I had every right to sue them for doubble and I would have won. After 31 days I called them and played hard ball. I got my complete security back in 2 days.
I have never been a fan of not paying last months rent, or using security to do so. Unless you think they would keep the whole security deposit or they were A-holes. Either way, for YOU, you will still be out $500.
I would research NY Tenant law and see where you are as far as the law and what your rights are when moving ut and getting security back.
I would send the management company a certified letter explaining the conversations you had and explaining you do not nor have ever had a cat, andyou should not be charged for a pet that does not exist.
You MUST send the certified letter today. Do NOT wait. (Or monday). At the minimum its something to have for proof if you end up going to court.
You have to think, starting today, what proof do I need for a judge if this goes to court.
And I'm not saying it will go THAT far. But don't just roll over and LET them keep your money. Fight like hell. And I mean you can be nice but firm.
There is a woman who posts from 21st century all the time on the home board. Ask her opinion as well.
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| Posted 2/22/13 10:10 AM |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
Member since 1/08 8589 total posts
Name:
Cheeks
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Need advice: Our rental company is trying to screw us!
^^^ completely agree!!
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| Posted 2/22/13 9:31 PM |
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