Tenant Pushes Back After House Manager Keeps Part of Security Deposit Over Carpet Condition
Pexels/Reddit
Not every small stain in the house counts as tenant damage.
This man has been living in an apartment for two years. The house manager wanted part of the property inspected before he moved out. During the review, the manager pointed out what they believed was damage to the carpet and suggested it could affect the security deposit. But he refused to agree with this proposal.
Security deposit disputes are one of the most common disagreements between tenants and landlords. This is a relatable story where small issues turn into bigger conflicts due to misunderstanding. Read the full story below.
Security Deposit “wear and tear”
I have a house manager living with me. I asked them to review my re-painting to ensure it was quality.
They then pointed out that there was a small discoloration around the entire perimeter of the carpet.
The colour is half a shade darker. They insisted that it was my doing.
They said the carpets were professionally cleaned before I moved in.
This man believes it’s illegal to deduct wear-and-tear issues from the security deposit.
They have previously deducted from past tenants for “discoloration around light switch.”
As well as “discoloration on back of closet top shelf,” and so on.
Where I’m located it is against the law to deduct from a security deposit for “wear and tear.”
I’ve cleaned the carpets, and when a light is shown, it leaves. They are still insistent that it’s damaged.
I’ve lived here for 2 years. Am I right to say it’s illegal to deduct from my deposit for that?
OP questioned the deduction because the issue appears to be “normal” wear after two years. I think both tenants and landlords should rely on local laws and proper documentation rather than on assumptions. Knowing your rights can make situations like this much easier to resolve.
Let’s read the comments of other online users on this story.
This user shares what could possibly happen.
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Here’s a suggestion.
If you enjoyed this post, check out this story about a man who stopped salting his neighbors’ driveways when they wouldn’t stop driving through his yard.
Here’s a valid argument.
And lastly, this one makes sense too.
Normal wear and tear shouldn’t become an unexpected expense.
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