Anyone here know landlord/rental laws, specially in Maine?

[Shreddy Mercury]

Just curious if anyone here is a landlord, or knows rental laws regarding an apartment trying to use your security deposit to replace carpet that I know I didn't damage. Also, in case is varies by state, it's in Maine.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

My experience is with Mass and NY but unless you have photos of move in or made a note on the lease of damages before signing it, you are in a tough spot unfortunately

 

[VonBonfire]

Easy fix: don't pay your last months rent. Most landlords steal deposits as a matter of routine IME.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

Easy fix: don't pay your last months rent. Most landlords steal deposits as a matter of routine IME.

Another possible way out is that deposits and last months rent are supposed to be put into an escrow by the landlord at signing and not just cashed or deposited.
It’s usually an easy court case if the landlords handle the money improperly

 

[VonBonfire]

Another possible way out is that deposits and last months rent are supposed to be put into an escrow by the landlord at signing and not just cashed or deposited.
It’s usually an easy court case if the landlords handle the money improperly

Sure, good advice. I've just had landlords accusing me of stuff like keeping cats claiming damage and cat food, litter, and crap left behind. Complete with "pictures". We ain't cat people, at all. That was just one landlord. Truthfully the corporate owned rentals were always better than the privately held ones and I generally hate corporate everything.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

Sure, good advice. I've just had landlords accusing me of stuff like keeping cats claiming damage and cat food, litter, and crap left behind. Complete with "pictures". We ain't cat people, at all. That was just one landlord. Truthfully the corporate owned rentals were always better than the privately held ones and I generally hate corporate everything.

I’ve seen enough landlords blow the “deposit” right away and when they realize they can’t pay it back at the end of the lease, they start making up BS reasons to blame the tenant for stuff

 

[VonBonfire]

I’ve seen enough landlords blow the “deposit” right away and when they realize they can’t pay it back at the end of the lease, they start making up BS reasons to blame the tenant for stuff

Yes, I got blamed for damaging a sprinkler system that was already broken on one rental along with "excess wear on hardwood floor". That guy was actually kind of a nut who'd be flipping out when rent was due only to be told by me "I just dropped it in your box man" and then watching his tomato rage face retreating back to normal white guy color realizing he should've checked first. He got sued for being a slumlord and sold all his rentals.

They'll itemize a list and then send it to you with pictures sometimes even asking for more cash to cover "damages". The solution is to take a picture of the extra money they want and send them the photo, lol.

 

[Shreddy Mercury]

Basically what they're trying to do is blame carpet damage on me that was there when I moved in, and they knew it was there because the property manager didn't deny it in an email when I told him they knew it was there; it's a big rust like spot and the shampooers would have noted it didn't come out last time they were cleaned. Anywho, I'm going to ask them for receipts for legal purposes of when the carpet was replaced last, but likely at least 11 years ago, which basic stains and spots are common wear and tear items. Since the carpet is likely 11 years old or more, they don't have as much of a leg to stand on. Also, rather than replacing it with carpet, like they're trying to steal my deposit for, they replaced it with faux hardwood. So basically they're trying to steal my deposit for upgrades.

 

[ChuggNorris]

Easy fix: don't pay your last months rent. Most landlords steal deposits as a matter of routine IME.

No security deposit has been ever been returned.
?
And yeah that last month rent can suck it. Id spend that on the next "deposit" an get things in order instead when the time comes. Im out of contract now and have been for 2-3 years. Lady sucks ass and doesnt fix shit in the house. Threatens to raise the rent instead. ? Just like I know I won't get a deposit back. I know I will force her to evict me if I'm ever able to escape the place when rent comes back down. I would have moved already but those new rents just aren't doable for me currently. So I've had to sit tight in this shit while I can at $900. Same house will rent for 1400 if I leave now. Its a nasty ass situation for renters right now ?

Basically what they're trying to do is blame carpet damage on me that was there when I moved in, and they knew it was there because the property manager didn't deny it in an email when I told him they knew it was there; it's a big rust like spot and the shampooers would have noted it didn't come out last time they were cleaned. Anywho, I'm going to ask them for receipts for legal purposes of when the carpet was replaced last, but likely at least 11 years ago, which basic stains and spots are common wear and tear items. Since the carpet is likely 11 years old or more, they don't have as much of a leg to stand on. Also, rather than replacing it with carpet, like they're trying to steal my deposit for, they replaced it with faux hardwood. So basically they're trying to steal my deposit for upgrades.

Bro... this is america.

I'm going to assume you are an inexperienced renter. You could leave that place in better condition than you found it. It does not matter. Once you hand over a security deposit, you kiss it good bye and just call it a move in fee. Trust me when I tell you, you aren't getting it back.

It's not a security deposit.
It's a security DONATION.

They will simply claim the place needed cleaning, or painting, or any number of things at the end of the contract regardless. You will never see a deposit back from any land whores. ?

Fuck that calling them "lord" shit too.
Mine has texted me talking about "youre talking to your landlord like this" when I've had enough of her never fixing shit and say something about it and I can't roll my eyes any harder.

She's in my phone as "Rent Center" or "land whore" ?

 

[Floyd Eye]

I’m pretty sure you can stop paying your rent and still live there for about 90 days.

 

[Kordoba]

I'd be careful about skipping out on the last month's rent. The property management can come after you for that and potentially damage your credit. Where I live, most rentals require a rental history background check and will often check with your past property managers. Typically, they won't rent to you if you skipped out on the last month at your previous rental and/or if your credit is not up to their standards. Things may be different in different parts of the country.

 

[Dan Gleesak]

I’m pretty sure you can stop paying your rent and still live there for about 90 days.

Plus you can contest it and hang out until a court date is made and all that

 

[70 Mach 1]

Courts usually rule in favor of the tenant. File a claim in small claims court