Re: Security Deposit letters - Landlord Forum thread 361572

Re: Security Deposit letters by Garry on September 23, 2021 @15:13

You NEVER say your OPINIONS, only the facts. For instance : Painting bathroom -xxx . Cleaning carpet XXX. Replaced x batteries, and x smoke detectors XXX Replaced XX light bulbs. Cleaning ceiling fans, stove refrigerator, walls, kitchen in general XXX. replaced 1 broken window xx. I list all my charges 1 line at a time, and show the cost a few spaces over.

Forget about not wanting to insult your FORMER tenant. They will definitely be insulted when they see your list of items, and the costs associated with each. Once they get your letter, they will probably contact you within a day about the costs. THEN you can give your opinions. If it totals up that you owe them a little bit of money, enclose a check with the letter. If they owe you money, Give them 30 days in your letter to send you a money order for that amount.

Expect NOTHING from them if they owe you, especially if its a large amount. And DO NOT try to collect the money AT ALL. Just accept the loss, and you can deduct the loss off your Federal taxes next year. If they disagree with what your letter said, and call you about it, simply tell them to take you to court, and you will settle it there. 99% of the former tenants will say they will take you to court, NEVER DO. Remember, what you want right now, is a new tenant paying you more rent that what you were charging before, and living in a clean, newly refurbished house.

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Re: Security Deposit letters by Bette on September 23, 2021 @15:50	[ Reply ]

I think I'm just having trouble since usually it's a very positive letter & I'm returning your deposit. I'm not too worried about the court thing - as we have pictures of dirt/dust, etc, etc. I know she anxiously awaiting the return as she contacted me 1 wk after, and then a few days ago. I don't mind overlooking some things - I just expected clean. She'll receive quite a bit back - as the charge for cleaning is not as much as it should be. Thanks for the advice on listing the charges. Do you normally send copy of recipts (batteries, etc) at this time?

Re: Security Deposit letters by Garry on September 23, 2021 @21:29	[ Reply ]

No, I never send copies of receipts , but that doesn't mean you can't. Just make sure they are "copies" , while you keep the originals. Also be sure those receipts don't have any of your personal info on them, such as a credit card number, or a bank account number from a check. Send the deposit statement both regular and certified mail, and send it within your state's timeline for getting the statements out.

Re: Security Deposit letters by Bette on September 26, 2021 @13:52	[ Reply ]

Actually it'll be quicker to not have to bother with making copies. I just want to get the statement & check to her to be done with it. BTW - she left the original inspection sheet (she got a copy) I have my LL copy. Should I send hers to her or not both & wait?