So my landlord tried to keep my whole security deposit over a scratch on the floor

This was in my old apartment in Springfield. I moved out last month, cleaned the place top to bottom, and took a ton of pictures. A week later, I get a letter saying they're keeping all $1200 of my deposit to replace the 'damaged' living room flooring. The scratch was maybe two inches long and was there when I moved in, which I noted on my initial walk-through sheet. I sent them a copy of that sheet, my move-out photos, and a letter citing our state's tenant laws about normal wear and tear. I was ready to go to small claims court, but they backed down and sent me a check for the full amount after three weeks. Has anyone else had to push back on a security deposit claim? What's the best way to keep records?

2 comments

2 Comments

kellyr1822h ago

Springfield's tenant laws are actually pretty strong, you got lucky they backed down. Always take video during the initial walkthrough, not just photos.

amyr5721h ago

That's a good point about the video, @kellyr18. I read a local news story last year where a video walkthrough really saved someone in court. Photos can miss things.