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Re: Security Deposit handling - Landlord Forum thread 354304

Re: Security Deposit handling by Doris (OH) on September 19, 2017 @11:52

                              
I don't know how a judge would respond. It is a lot of work so I can see charging. On the other hand, I wonder why you would want to repaper in a kitchen or any place else in a rental. Wallpaper is so personal. In purchasing a new home, I have never seen wallpaper chosen by prior owner that I liked. I would just take it down and repaint and it would be much easier to clean the kitchen in the future also.
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Re: Security Deposit handling by Nicole (PA) on September 19, 2017 @14:10 [ Reply ]
Doris, I basically agree about wallpaper ... although I happen to personally love it.

But the question isn't what is "best" in a rental unit ... it's that the tenant created A LOT of work for the landlord that, I'd guess since he is asking about this, the landlord might not have been counting on.

it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare a wall for papering. it takes more time and effort to get those walls in shape for painting. Tenant doesn't get to decide when landlord must take care of wall surfaces.
    Re: Security Deposit handling by Linda (GA) on September 19, 2017 @19:56 [ Reply ]
    The wallpaper was a light neutral color, with a border up top. Now that the wall paper is off the wall. The walls have to be patched (mudded), sanded and primed, then painted, if I went with just painting. Yes, resulting in a lot of work. Especially since she left the paper behind the refrigerator, which will have to be removed. I used prepasted wallpaper, in addition to applying extra glue when it was put on a few years ago. Was nothing wrong with it. The house was in very good condition when I gave it to her. And lease even states no modifications to the property with out written landlord notification or approval. Their lease was up 2 1/2 weeks early. I am glad they are gone, despite the circumstances.

    I can overlook the cleaning, the massive nails and screws left in the walls; because of the hurricane. But they are definitely getting charged with replacing the wallpaper . Yes, they made it extra work now for me to get the interior back after the major repairs. But yet, demanding their deposit back. I already gave the remainder of the month rent back.
      Re: Security Deposit handling by Anonymous on September 20, 2017 @08:03 [ Reply ]
      The tenants can counter sue you for a constructive eviction and/or fail suit against you for a non habitable rental house. You terminated the lease and therefore should return all prorated rent and full security deposit. You should have worked something out before terminating the lease about the wallpaper. If you go to court and the tenant receives a reduction of damages, they are the prevailing party, and are entitled to damages, court cost and attorney fees. Those attorney fees could be in the thousands. They could also argue that you permitted a danger tree to remain on the property and of course, like most landlords, never had a tree company evaluate the condition of your trees.

      Unless you like to gamble, just get the damage house repaired and rent ready for your next tenant. It appears that you have a personal attachment to the wallpaper.

      Look at it this way. If the tenants removed the wallpaper and the place burned down or was destroyed in a hurricane. I don't think any judge would not allow the charges. The place was inhabitable, if not, why did you end the lease? Smart landlords know when to pursue damages and when not to. The question is, what kind are you?

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