Exorbitant 'move out fee' totaling $1,484 prompts a renter to devise a plan to get back at her greedy ex-landlord: 'Nah, go to court'

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Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
May 18, 2024 6:00 PM EDT

Another day, another greedy landlord trying to collect.

As if it wasn't enough to have your mortgage paid by others, landlords always try to scrape a little more off of the top for themselves. This landlord, however, is in for a harsh awakening when their latest tenant moves out. In an attempt to squeeze them dry one last time, this greedy dirtbag decided to bill their tenant for goofy things like cleaning the blinds ($130), a once-over tidy, and repainting the apartment. Isn't that your responsibility, buddy? 

To the story's original writer, a mother of a small child, the $1400+ bill received after living in her Seattle apartment for 4 years was completely astronomical. Sure, there was a little wear and tear, but certainly not thousands of dollars worth of repairs. There are times when it's best for a renter find a lawyer to handle their case, but as this tenant builds up their ammunition for court, they likely won't even need a pro–they've got all the evidence they need to bury their ex-landlord in legal fees. Scroll for the entire story!

After this, here's another tale of self-important people in the workplace who think that micromanaging is the only way to handle your workforce.

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  • 01
    TURNOVER BLIND CLEANING X8 Due on 05/14/2024 $129.94 1×1 TURN CLEANING (EXTRA DIRTY) $300.00 Due on 05/14/2024 1 SHOWER HE Due on 05/14/2 "DO NOT PAY' SINGLE OUTLET CO REPLACEMENTS X3 Due on 05/14/2024 KILLS PRIMER X1 $8.98 Due on 05/14/2024 TUNOVER FULL PAINT (5GAL X $21.99) $114.95 Total Balance Due on 05/14/2024 $1,484.08 14 HRS. MAINTENANCE LABOR $910.00 (PAINT PRERP, FULL PAINT, MOISTURE TREATMENT, WALL REPAIRS, RECAULKING)
    via canva
  • 02
    r/Renters razzledazzle_queen Move Out Fee Hello, Washington state. We moved out and gave notice. Our landlord agreed on it. I
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 03
    took accountability of a major damage area to the hardwood floor (not real hardwood), it was a few slits that got peeled and ripped. Not other major damages but they want to charge us a little over $1400 for the move out fee. $900 of that is for labor cost.
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 04
    We lived there for 4 years with a little one. To me and others the apartment looks lived in. I expected maybe a $500 max fee for the carpet and the hardwood area because I can agree that is
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 05
    our damages but charging us for them having to paint the walls?! That's a little much in my opinion. They also claim moisture but there was none. How do I fight this? I cant afford this.
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 06
    May (This Month) Description Amount TURNOVER BLIND CLEANING X8 $129.94 Due on 05/14/2024 1x1 TURN CLEANING (EXTRA DIRTY) $300.00 Due on 05/14/2024 1 SHOWER HEAD REPLACEMENT Due on 05/14/2024 SINGLE OUTLET COVER $18.29 $1.92 REPLACEMENTS X3 Due on 05/14/2024 KILLS PRIMER X1 $8.98 Due on 05/14/2024 TUNOVER FULL PAINT (5GAL X $114.95 $21.99) Due on 05/14/2024 14 HRS. MAINTENANCE LABOR $910.00 (PAINT PRERP, FULL PAINT, MOISTURE TREATMENT, WALL REPAIRS, RECAULKING) Due on 05/14/2024 Total Balance $1,
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 07
    So_Motarded 1 day ago Did you conduct a move-out inspection (or at the very least, take photos/videos)? How long had you lived there?
    via So_Motarded
  • 08
    razzledazzle_queen OP · 1 day ago My state legislature says landlords arent allowed to charge for normal wear anymore, that includes paint... There was NO moisture damage to the walls or we would have reported it obviously... so I think i could fight this? I dont know
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 09
    zeiaxar 1 day ago Do not call them. Send them an email. Make sure their response is via email. This way you have a paper trail in case it needs to/ends up going to court. Talking on the phone will lead to you said/they said situations where it's all heresay.
    via zeiaxar
  • 10
    Neither-Secret7909 23 hr. ago This happened to me a while back. I walked in the office with a $100 bill and said this is what you get. If you dont accept this you will get nothing. Told them i didnt care if they sent collections after me.
    via Neither-Secret7909
  • 11
    They accepted my bill and got really mad when i stood there after demanding a letter saying theyd never contact me again. It worked though.
    via Neither-Secret7909
  • 12
    makowb 21 hr. ago This all falls under normal wear and tear. No legal help or lawyer necessary. Just email them and tell them you will not pay for any of this and start there.
    via makowb
  • 13
    BlueFeathered1 1 day ago You need to remind them of normal wear and tear laws (if applicable). If they don't take the hint, this looks like a valid small claims court case to me. Dishonest, greedy landlord. No shortage of those, it seems.
    via BlueFeathered1
  • 14
    razzledazzle_queen OP 1 day ago Im trying to find free or reduced legal help but do you think i can call the landlord and speak directly to them about this or will it make it worse? 15 Reply Share ... SuperEnthusiasm5165. 1 day ago Represent yourself this will be so easy.
    via razzledazzle_queen
  • 15
    DummCunce 21 hr. ago This is total everything listed is STANDARD PRACTICE after a move out. You're getting
    via DummCunce
  • 16
    BrianMan93 23 hr. ago So what they kept your security deposit im assuming and they want extra money so they can pocket your security deposit? Thought stuff like this is what security deposits were literally for.
    via BrianMan93
  • 17
    citizensyn 22 hr. ago LMAO ask their maintainance worker for his pay stub ain't no way they are paying $65/hr
    via citizensyn
  • 18
    nutella KyCerealKiller · 22 hr. ago In my state you can't be charged for painting or things of that nature when people move out. 3 Reply Share ... Kingjames23X6 - 21 hr. ago Don't pay it
    via KyCerealKiller
  • 19
    bcrisis555 20 hr. ago In some states they have to do the work then show you the bill they can't just make stuff up. I am unsure of your state. And dirty blinds/ paint are part of wear and tear as others say. Also if you have paid a security deposit they cannot charge you extra except for extenuating circumstances.
    via bcrisis555
  • 20
    grumpyliberal · 14 hr. ago Nah. This is all normal wear and tear and you are not required to pay for maintenance that the landlord performs on a turnover. Go to small claims court on this one.
    via grumpyliberal

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deserved small claims court landlord rental small claims court tenant landlords rent move out fee greedy renter renting moving move out payback fee
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