One mom was left unsettled when her landlord claimed he would keep the family’s entire $7,200 deposit. After moving out of their rental townhouse, she expected the return of their deposit, especially since the home had been professionally cleaned and the realtor had noted that only minor paintwork was needed. Yet, a week after the move-out, the landlord sprung a series of unexpected claims on her. It didn’t seem right.
In his message, the landlord alleged that the toilets were non-functional and that there were holes in the walls. The most alarming claim was that the garage door, which he said was “broken,” would cost him $5,500 to replace. Alarm bells rang for this mom; she had proof that the garage door was working perfectly well before they left. Not only had the realtor ensured the toilets were flushed, but the only wall damage was from a few small nails. The landlord’s intentions felt questionable.
She requested an itemized list of repairs along with invoices and timestamps. Instead of clear details, the landlord responded with a few photos showing where command strips had been removed and a dented garage door. The mom knew that the damage didn’t come from her family, as they never hit the door. Concern turned into determination when she drove by the property 31 days after moving out and discovered the garage door still in place, simply patched up with metal casings. The question was clear—why hadn’t he replaced it?
The landlord’s silence, coupled with his failure to provide any certified mail or proper documentation, left the mom considering legal action. She recognized that it had been over 30 days since she vacated, and without any evidence from the landlord, her tenant rights were at stake. The situation, with its glaring dishonesty, was becoming harder to navigate and more confusing by the day.
People had very different reactions to her post on Reddit. Some sympathized with her plight, noting the common struggles tenants face with landlords who try to keep deposits unreasonably. They pointed out that the landlord was likely hoping she would just back down, a tactic not uncommon in rental disputes.
Others suggested that she gather all the evidence she had, including photos and any correspondence with the landlord. One Reddit user emphasized the importance of documenting everything, as this could strengthen her case should she decide to take legal action. They advised that she explore small claims court if the landlord continued to ignore her requests.
Some commenters were shocked at the audacity of the landlord, questioning how he could justify the high repair cost without any legitimate invoices. Others noted that it’s always important to read the lease agreement closely to understand the specifics of security deposits and conditions for deductions. This particular mom seemed to have done her homework, but it didn’t seem to deter her landlord.
The comments showed a mix of support and frustration. Some users warned her to be cautious in her next steps, noting the potential for legal complications in cases like these. They stressed the importance of following up promptly, as delays could work against her. The general consensus was that the landlord’s behavior was dubious, and this mom was not alone in battling similar issues with rental agreements.
As the mom considered her next steps, she was left with many questions. How far was she willing to go to reclaim her deposit? Would a court battle be worth the stress and time? And how common were these deceptive practices in the rental market? The conversation on Reddit had provided some clarity but also opened up even more uncertainties about her rights and the responsibilities of landlords.
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