- Jurisdiction
- Oregon
After moveout, we received a check returning our security deposit for considerably less money that we expected. When we contacted our former landlord the agent explained that they charged us a $90 fee for "(...) dusting and wiping down surfaces as well as cleaning toilets to ensure a fresh environment for the next tenant", and added, "Usually we charge a Fee of $290 but I only charged $90 for spiff as it did not need a full clean." As the agent admitted, the apartment was returned in impeccable clean condition, and we also took care of mudding and painting all the holes on the walls (which we didn't have to). We even performed a move-out inspection with the maintenance manager, who thanked us for the effort and signed a document claiming that "everything looked great." After disputing the fairness of the charge, the landlord claimed that no money will be returned as we have signed an addendum that states that "charges may be assessed for cleaning/repair/replacement, based upon condition of the unit at move-out." Since the charges have been made a month after the move-out date, and in spite of our demands, they have not sent us proof of their claims, nor the cleaning bill, are they in their legal right to charge us for a cleaning service, when the apartment, at move-out, was returned thoroughly cleaned?
On a separate but related matter, can we sue our former landlord for failing to mail our account balance and security deposit within 30 days of our move-out date?
On a separate but related matter, can we sue our former landlord for failing to mail our account balance and security deposit within 30 days of our move-out date?
