'I am having counsel review the lease': Landlord denies sending former tenant their security deposit in full over their cat smell, tenant begins legal battle

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Aug 28, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

There's nothing like a bitter landlord-tenant dispute to make you feel better about your living situation (if you can). 

The business of returning one's security deposit in full is almost always a stressful process. You may try your best to keep your apartment in perfect living condition, but things happen over time and your property management may be ruthless in their decision-making. Now, there are ways in which you can be lucky and get out of conflict. A friend of mine had tried their best to cover a dent they made in the wall with spackle and was dreading the day their landlord would come view the space. The day before that inspection, the apartment above flooded and one could not decipher the damage caused by the upstairs neighbor from the damage caused by my friend. In the end, my friend received their full deposit back (as they should have)! As for this Redditor's story, hats off to their friends for standing up for herself.

Keep scrolling below for the full saga. For more, check out this post about an unprofessional store run by 18-year-olds.

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  • 01
    Property Manager Biting the Curb Humor Wanted to share an immaculate encounter between my friend and her property manager. I think she did amazing in handling the communication even when it was clear he was baiting her.
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  • 02
    Eventually she was able to get in touch with the owners and get her deposit back. She actually spoke with them over the phone and found out they had no idea this property manager was withholding her money.
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  • 03
    What was incredible throughout this whole situation was how blatant this was about her over. No hint of trying to hide his intentions in the slightest. Take a peek at these screenshots.
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  • 04
    For added context: She moved to attend Auburn University as a PHD student. "Roll Tide" is the rally cry for University of Alabama. Auburn is their rival whose rally cry is "War Eagle"
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  • 05
    History: Ellie was in her apartment for four years with a dog and a cat that she paid pet rent for.
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  • 06
    During this time the building was sold to new owners who hired a property management company to oversee it. While they were in charge they only helped to fix a leaking and molding AC unit poorly with a shoddy plaster job.
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  • 07
    Ellie moved out at the end of May then less than a week later she received text messages from Joe informing her that she would not be receiving her deposit due to "smell". An absolute accusation. In the back and forth the property manager claimed that because of the smell they would have to paint, 'deodorize' and repair the "damage".
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 08
    Very soon after that Ellie prepared to pursue legal action. She waited to receive the letter from the property manager then responded refuting the charges and her intention to pursue legal action.
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 09
    Immediately after he received the letter he sent her a message doubling down on the ridiculous excuse for taking her deposit but also shifting responsibility to the owners as the target of her lawsuit. He refused to give her the contact information of the owners claiming he was "just the buffer".
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 10
    She prepared her case while simultaneously sending a letter to an address she found online linked to the owners. They contacted her quickly letting her know that all the ☐ their property manager was saying was a lie and they had no intention to take her deposit. They then cut her a check. All this to say. F slimy property managers.
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 11
    Tue, Jun 4 at 2:05 PM Hello, thank you for being a valued tenant. The owner does need to claim the entire $1450 deposit that is being held by them because: unit is pretty dirty and several areas of pet damage, it was also noted that a very very strong smell of feline was present the moment you entered. Will need full painting, deodorization and repairs for damage from pet destruction. doe you understand this? Fri, Jun 7 at 9:33 AM
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 12
    Fri, Jun 7 at 9:33 AM I do not agree with this. I am having counsel review the lease and my photos of the apartment. I am not in agreement and I expect to you send my full security deposit to the following address: Fri, Jun 7 at 11:40 AM we will send out the appropriate info: please have lawyer contact me since the charges are way + Text Message
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 13
    deposit to the following address: Fri, Jun 7 at 11:40 AM we will send out the appropriate info: please have lawyer contact me since the charges are way more than what you had in security We have photos and the sell is unbearable. we have to paint the entire place to get rid of the smell. FYI ROLL TIDE
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 14
    It is your responsibility as a landlord to paint and clean the place between tenants. I paid a pet fee for the past four years so you can use that money to cover pet related charges. That does not come out of the security deposit. Lol. Please have your attorney contact us because the charges are greatly above your measly deposit. We have very detailed photos and the smell of this place is intoxicating it so bad. Please keep an eye on your mail + Text Message
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 15
    Ellie I have received both your letters: The owner decided to claim your entire deposit: If you recall, when the owner and I walked thru that day you were there right after the owner bought the place, both he and I were overwhelmed by the bad pet odor. He was shocked by bad the odor was and we both needed to get out to catch our breath.. After your move out, the many people who were in the property said the pet order was overwhelming as well. The entire place needed to be painted and deodorized
    via Greatatdeposits
  • 16
    EM To: 7/23/2 Hello, Please send me contact information for the owners. Thank you, Ellie See More Found in Gmail Inbox ال To: Sorry I am here to be the buffer It is public record Thanks Joe Ionata I buy houses in any condition: See our website for rentals 7/23/24
    via Greatatdeposits

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