Ridiculous Charges for Alleged Damages

[rain177]

I recently moved out of an apartment, and the managers are ridiculously overcharging me for damages. There were three minor stains in the carpet, and mold in one corner. The stains could have been removed, and the mold is the fault of the apartment (external corner of bedroom). The apartment had a leaky roof when I moved in but was repaired later.

They are charging me $1,700 to _replace_ all the carpet and $500 to repair damage from mold. These are just the most ridiculous charges. The total is about $3,700.

What action should I take to defend myself?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

This is a demand for payment - if you don't pay, they will sue you and then you'll have an opportunity to defend yourself. Make sure you have as much evidence as possible. I'd probably write a letter, sent certified return receipt, and alert them that you contest the charges and your good reasons why. I'd be as brief and possible and not put in anything that could possibly be used against you.

 

[rain177]

Thank you, thelawprofessor!