All Forum Posts by: Kathy Johnson

First thing to check would be for running toilets or leaks.  Also, is there a laundry facility in the building?  If so, is it secured so that only tenants can use it?

In Wisconsin, the tenant is expected to leave the rental at about the same level of cleanliness that they received it in.  This is documented even on some tenant sites so you should be safe charging the tenants deposit for the cleaning required to return the blinds and other areas that are dripping with uncleaned residues from her activity.  Best to take photos of the drippy mess before you clean in case she protests the charge.

Note: We have rentals in Wisconsin also.

Any amount paid past the current month's rent in California is considered deposit even if the landlord wants to call it something else.  The most a landlord can charge as deposit is 2x monthly rent so this landlord is already in violation (Collecting 3x monthly rent - 2 months plus 1 month).  Contact your local tenant rights agencies for help with negotiating with the landlord about getting your funds back.  They will be able to advise you about your rights in this situation.

Heat typically rises and this break appears to be on the lower part of the window....

From your post, it is hard to tell if the tenant has already moved out or not.  Most states have requirements about the amount of time you have from move-out to send the tenant an accounting of their deposit and the remaining amount.  In some states, if you miss that deadline you have to return the whole deposit and would have to pursue any money owed by the tenant in small claims court.  

Check your state laws and follow them carefully.  If the deadline hasn't passed, immediately write out your accounting of the deposit and send it to the former tenant.   If the tenant is still in residence or has still left their belongings in the unit, remind them that the deposit clock doesn't start ticking until they are out.

Just one question.  Was the 'tenant' working for the landlord?  If so that might change the answer about whether it is illegal since housing that is supplied to an employee ends when the job does.

Are you sure the landlord isn't asking you to add him as 'Additional Interest' which would mean he would be notified if your policy lapses or is cancelled?

Remember to ask the former landlord 'Would you rent to this tenant again?'    

Was this isolated post in response to a particular thread and it somehow got detached from the thread?  If not, you are doing the same thing you accuse others of:  stereotyping all of the landlords on this list.

If you see two cats in the window, snap a photo.  Send a demand letter for the additional charges.