Security Deposit Liability for Cigarette Smell

[guestposter]

Smoking allowed, the landlord kept $456 of our sec. dep. to buy a fogging machine & solution to deoderize. Are we liable for deoderizing, if so, entire cost of fog machine?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I would argue that you are absolutely not liable for the entire cost of the machine. Obviously the landlord took advantage of the situation. You should file a written objection with your landlord (send a letter via a certifiable method.) If you don't get a partial return of the money your only practical remedy may be small claims court (if it covers security deposits and I believe it may) or housing court.