Former tenant want invoices and receipt for deduction from security deposit

Member since 2021 · 2 posts · 3 votes

Connecticut landlord here. I have a former post and the lady has been super difficult to deal with for the simplest of things. I am done with her so I do not want to send her any of the invoices details. Can I tell her that I'm just not sending it to her? I have everything and all legit charges, but at this point I just need her to send me a forwarding address so I can send her the remaining funds.

Thanks in advance. I'm lost without the BP community.

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member

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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

Here's an explanation of the law: https://portal.ct.gov/dob/rental-security-deposits/rental-se...

You must send an itemized list of deductions. Why not send copies of the invoices, as well? I understand she's been difficult in the past, but does that mean you have to be difficult?

When you believe someone is going to cause problems, it's best to flood them with evidence and put them on notice that you are prepared to defend yourself. Sending copies of invoices shouldn't take you more than ten minutes of your time and can keep you out of small claims.

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
2y
Here's an explanation of the law: https://portal.ct.gov/dob/rental-security-deposits/rental-se...
You must send an itemized list of deductions. Why not send copies of the invoices, as well? I understand she's been difficult in the past, but does that mean you have to be difficult?
When you believe someone is going to cause problems, it's best to flood them with evidence and put them on notice that you are prepared to defend yourself. Sending copies of invoices shouldn't take you more than ten minutes of your time and can keep you out of small claims.
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Gregory SchwartzBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · College Station, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
From my experience, security deposit reconciliation is one of the easiest ways for landlords and property managers to end up on the wrong side of a lawsuit. It's crucial to understand and follow local laws regarding deposits, documentation, and timelines.

A local property manager I knew had a lot of questionable and shady practices, but the one that ultimately led to his downfall was poorly documented and unjustified security deposit reconciliations. He failed to provide clear itemizations, which opened the door to legal action from tenants.

Make sure you’re documenting everything clearly and adhering to the laws in your area to avoid similar issues.
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Jorden P Dupont
Real Estate Agent · Windsor Locks · Member since 2020 · 20 posts · 21 votes
2y
I agree with everything these gents said above. Its frustrating dealing with difficult people but you MUST treat this like a business. You must do everything you can to cover your arse. All it takes is for you to slip up once and somebody to hire a predatory attorney. Everything you've worked for goes down the drain. You'll never know who youre dealing with. The professional tenants are everywhere and in CT, they'll win. Stay by the books
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April Davis
33948 · Member since 2024 · 2 posts · 0 votes
2y
I completely agree with the sentiments expressed. Dealing with challenging individuals can be frustrating, but it’s essential to approach the situation professionally. Always prioritize protecting your interests—one misstep can lead to significant consequences, especially if someone employs a predatory attorney. Professional tenants can be found in every market, and in Connecticut, they can often prevail. It's crucial to stay compliant and follow the rules to safeguard everything you’ve built.
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Michael SmytheBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
2y
Even when you do everything right - someone still complains!
So, don't create MORE headaches for yourself.
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Mackensie Matze
Member since 2024 · 4 posts · 2 votes
2y
@Nathan

@Nathan Gesner would you still send invoices/receipts if the renters family has been contacting you asking you for your contractors information so they can contact them?
I have relationships with my contractors and don't need/want a tenant who caused damages harassing them because they are unhappy they didn't get 100% of their deposit back.
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
2y
Send her the invoices via the mail. It is not an unreasonable request for her to ask for proof that you paid what you said to have the items repaired.
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Mackensie Matze:

@Nathan

@Nathan Gesner would you still send invoices/receipts if the renters family has been contacting you asking you for your contractors information so they can contact them?
I have relationships with my contractors and don't need/want a tenant who caused damages harassing them because they are unhappy they didn't get 100% of their deposit back.

I'm not Nathan, but you have a contract with the tenant, not their family. If the family wants to find a contractor, sure they can ask you for recommendations, but they don't need invoices or receipts to do that. You could give them the name of several people you'd recommend, doesn't need to be the same people that did work on the house when the tenant was there.
Good contractors are hard to find and word of mouth is a good way to find one.
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Mackensie Matze
Member since 2024 · 4 posts · 2 votes
2y
@Theresa

@Theresa Harris. I understand. In my situation the family/renter are wanting receipts to contact my contractors I am assuming to harass them not because they need a contractor. In this case I am not sending a receipt or can send with all contact info of contractor crossed out to protect the contractor. I am not legally obligated to send the receipt in my state either. And renter was sent an itemized list of damages which is not excessive thankfully for me but she is mad she isn't receiving the full deposit back.
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