I rented an apartment managed by Northridge Properties 12/97. I paid my rent 6 months in advance, which also included a $400 deposit for the apartment. I had signed a 6 months lease and after the 6 months were over I never signed another lease. I moved out of the apartment and gave them a 2 week notice. I was told that I had to give a 30 day notice so I would still have to pay a full months rent. I was okay with this because they still had my $400 deposit and the rent was $565 per month so I was willing to pay the difference after my deposit was deducted. I cleaned the apartment very well and even spot cleaned the walls and carpet, the assistant manager saw how well I cleaned the apartment when he did his exit walk through.
I received a letter in the mail from Mr. Gary Healy (owner) of Northridge Properties, stating that I owed them for damages to the carpet and walls. He said that I owed $1080 for paint and carpet cleaning, as well as rent for the month I moved out. The only painting and carpet cleaning that he would have to do would be the usual amount that is done when one tenant moves out and another moves in. He has placed this amount on my credit file without taking me to court concerning this matter. This is preventing me from getting another apartment anywhere else and I am now living in a church with my 13 year old son.
I am not the only one he has done this to. It seems like every one who has moved out has had some type of problem concerning getting their deposit money back or with him saying that they left owing money. What can be done about this?
I am hindered tremendously on getting another apartment. I am emotionally at my wits end because my son has to go through this. He doesn't eat well and his grades are failing in school. I am receiving county assistance because I do not have a job. I do not have a job because I am an emotional wreck.
Delois should sue the landlord in Small Claims Court, seeking the return of her deposit and an order that negative credit references be removed.
