deposit returns - Landlord Forum thread

deposit returns by Jay (Oklahoma) on November 15, 2009 @08:09

My question is in the state of Oklahoma can I use a contractor's estimates to close the deposit account of a past renter. In the case of pursuing additional damages how will this apply.
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Re: deposit returns by Anonymous on November 15, 2009 @10:07

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In many states you can use a contractor's estimate for repairs to finish the deposit statement within the allotted time. You need to mark the repair on it as "estimated" and note that this repair was not able to have been completed before the deadline to return the deposit statement. Then after the repairs are complete, send an amended return showing the actual cost of the repair and the completion date. Check to see if you can do this in your state.

Re: deposit returns by OK-LL on November 15, 2009 @11:23	[ Reply ]
You have 30 days in OK to return the SDSS -- I can't think of any repair that would take longer than that to complete short of rebuilding a wing of the house. I've never appeared in court with estimated damages, always with actual costs -- so I can't help you with how a judge will see it.

Re: deposit returns by Anonymous on November 15, 2009 @16:02	[ Reply ]
You are not REQUIRED TO MAKE REPAIRS* in order to charge for damages, so reasonable estimates are usually considered in court. It is best to get 3 estimates in that case. If at tenant causes damages such as cracks in ceramic tiles or paints stained woodwork, etc, you can choose not to repair, but those damages decrease the value of your rental and the tenant does not have to be let off the hook.

Re: deposit returns