Property Management Refuse To Return Deposit And Charge For An Extra Month, Regret It When Tenant Exposes Their Lies
There are two types of landlords in this world — the accommodating ones that care for their tenants, their health and safety, and those who show up only when it’s time to collect a check. Unfortunately, the dire reality is that petty property owners are abundant. The natural power imbalance of this complex relationship makes many landlords believe they have the right to lie, manipulate, and make their tenants’ life a living misery.
But there’s only so much injustice a person can take before taking matters into their own hands, right? Redditor YerTime did precisely that, as they explained in their ‘Malicious Compliance’ story. One month ago, when the user handed in their move-out notice, they found themselves in a predicament where the phrase “it was in the contract” was only the beginning of the conversation.
Being played and forced to pay an extra month in rent, they decided to go out of their way to make sure the deposit finds a way back into their wallet. What followed was a sweet act of revenge that put the management in its place by rightfully calling out their bluff. Read on to find out how the whole ordeal unfolded, and be sure to weigh in on the situation in the comments!
Recently, a tenant shared how they were forced to pay an extra month in rent and deal with manipulative behavior from the property management
Image credits: Anthony Tran (not the actual photo)
But instead of going along with their demands, they pulled a sweet act of malicious compliance
Image credits: Dustin Moore (not the actual photo)
Image credits: YerTime
In an ideal world, every tenant would have a harmonious relationship with their landlord that would allow them to promptly solve any issues that occur. But the reality is far more complex, and the amount of rental horror stories we hear every day does beg the question: why is having a terrible experience with a property owner or its management so relatable?
This may be explained by how common renting today actually is. According to a study conducted by Pew Research Center, renters occupied around 36% of 122.8 million US households in 2019. Out of those, the most likely to rent are young people, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with lower incomes. No wonder why residents are sometimes fighting so hard to get back their well-deserved deposit, as rent makes up a big chunk of their expenses. The researchers stated that nearly half of tenants spend 30% or more of their gross household income on rent.
Many individuals have had the unfortunate “pleasure” of encountering an awful landlord at least once or twice. But with the internet at their fingertips, they can share their stories with everyone online, spark valuable discussions, and encourage others to learn more about their rights.
But whether it’s proprietors who unexpectedly bump up the rent or, as in the scenario in question, refuse to give back a security deposit even when the apartment was left in pristine condition, a fairly big part of residents are still getting actively gouged by their landlords.
As Rachel Khirallah, a Dallas-based attorney who handles real estate disputes told Vice, people are often wronged by a property owner or a rental company. “Some landlords are unfair, they lie, cheat, and steal. You have to be vigilant and take control over your own destiny.”
The attorney shared several precautions that may help people avoid or fight horrible landlords, especially when they’re withholding security deposits. “Landlords come up with various charges or reasons why the security deposit can’t be refunded.” She said that it’s crucial to analyze the itemized list of deductions on your deposit the property owner presents you with. “If they’re taking money off for things like general wear and tear and painting fees, or falsely claiming that apartment features were broken or ruined when they weren’t as a way to withhold your deposit, that’s illegal,” she added.
Remember, it’s important to document emails and phone conversations, and take pictures of your place before moving in and after moving out to prove your landlord’s claims are false. “You should always assume things might take a turn for the worse, and document literally everything,” Khirallah suggested.
People applauded the user’s efforts and chimed in with similar experiences in the comments
The problem with cleaning is that everyone's idea of clean is different. I've been a property manager for 20 years. I've had tenants apologize to me for not being able to clean the unit better, and I went in and literally could not find a single thing dirty. On the other side I've had tenants tell me that they clean houses for a living and that the place is spotless and I walked in the house and my shoes stuck to the floor and I didn't want to touch anything because it was so disgustingly dirty. So there is always going to be disagreement about how much the cleaning cost to do because a tenant always thinks they left a spotless place and a landlord usually says it's not clean enough. In 20 years I've only had a few dozen move-outs that needed no additional cleaning at all. Everyone misses something. We actually always eat the first $100 worth of cleaning for that reason. If a tenant leaves it within $100 worth of clean they don't get charged a cleaning fee.
I rented a place after the landlord said it was clean, even though I could hear shoes sticking to the floor as we walked through.It appeared clean, shiny taps and all, but as a cleaner, I knew it needed a deep clean. The guy excuses himself and checks out the interior of my car, something, he tells us, he always does with new tenants. Fair enough. We sign a lease and give half a month's rent as a damage deposit. We live there only about 18 months and he's kind of a d!ck to deal with about everything. At one point, he does an inspection (for insurance renewal purposes), giving us the minimum required advance warning and clearly the place is clean and well looked after. We decide to move. On moving day, he failed to show up after I called and ask that the damage deposit be returned. He said it would have to wait until he returned home from out of town. A week later he calls to return the damage deposit and then offers me a job cleaning rentals for him, after tenants move.
Load More Replies...
Part of the scam is having to give 60 days notice of move-out; yet apartment availability isn't usually advertised until 30 days before the apartment is able to be moved into. So it forces tenants to give notice before they even have another place to move to; or they wind up having to pay an extra month's rent. Everyone should read up on the laws applicable to where they live regarding rentals. For example: Where I live, if carpet is 2 years old or older, it must be replaced. If it is under 2 years old, and in good condition, it can be cleaned. The apartment also must be re-painted.
If they are going to hire a cleaning company regardless, then they should say so from the beginning instead of implying you would get your deposit back if you don't leave it completely trashed.
If you want to investigate slumlords there is one in Barstow California. My son and his wife and 2 yr old moved into a concrete underground place that resembles a "bunker". I was concerned so I contacted San Bernardino County where I was informed that they done have any cordinance for the address I gave them. (40901 Paradise View Rd., #2, Barstow CA 92311) I could list all the violations and illegal replacements, rigs, etc but It would take a whole weekend
Reminds me of one Apt I moved out of. After walk through and cleaning fees, they owed me like 400 dollars. Said I'd get a check in 15 days. Waited, and no check. Called them and they said it was an oversight. So wait another 15 days. Called again. Check is in the mail, they said. Waited 15 more days. Called again and again was told, just wait. 15 days later, after two months, I call and as for their corporate legal phone number, as my lawyer has lawsuit papers drawn up, for the deposit, plus damages. I was totally bluffing, but they sent a check over by messenger that same day. Nice gets hosed, and threats work immediately. Sad world we live in.
Landlords and property managers are honestly the scum of the earth. Humans have a few BASIC rights; the right to shelter, food and security. In our day and age, these should be a given. And yet, landlords are more than happy to see homeless people, especially if they cant pay out the nose for their shitty apartment the landlords NEVER care for. I've yet to have a landlord that isnt a colossal scamming douchcanoe.
I had COVID a month prior to my lease being up . They were under new management and in order to pay the rent I had to pay with a cashiers check or sign up with the online payment and it was like $100 to set up . I let her know my rent would be a little late as I was under quarantine and soon after I had to fly to Hawaii to get my apartment and job situated but I would be back to pay ans finish cleaning up . I had left tve key for for my apartment with my boyfriend and when he went a week later tbey had already changed tve locks and taken all my stuff out . I had so much Tiffany’s jewelry there as well as a watch and two wedding bands along with furniture , a smoker , brand new clothes and shoes . They stated I abandoned the place but I was clear I was coming back and tbey literally never tried to contact me !!! I am back from Hawaii to take tbey to small claims court as tbey want me to pay for the last months rent but I refuse as I had made it clear I would be back !
Security deposits are illegal here, have never paid one in my life. Have lived on both coasts and the interior of Canada. As for not getting last months rent back, how can that be possible? The last month that you are there, you don't pay rent that is the point.
A landlord once tried to withhold part of the security deposit, because of a mold stain on one of the living room walls. The reason for the mold, was the porous caulking of the bathtub, on the other side of the wall. I pointed this out when I viewed the apartment, BEFORE I moved in. First in person, then by phone and also in writing (with pictures). I had copies of everything; to be on the safe side! The landlord never had it repaired. I then eventually tried, frustrated, to seal it with silicone... but apparently not very successfully. There were more "problems" and repairs, that I had to do myself... because he couldn't care less. When I moved out, about 1 year later, I discovered the mold stain behind the living room cupboard. I sent him all the bills, all the correspondence, a list of how many times I had spoken to him on the phone and a note that I could have my lawyer do it. 3 days later, I had my deposit back.
My apt complex gave an upstairs neighbor who kept her apt spotless a hard time during the walk thru at the end of her lease. To the point she just management just keep the deposit. Mgr pulled some hinky stuff regarding renewing a lease making me sign a second lease because she put the wrong rent amt on the first that had already been signed by both of us and was stated a legal document. Yes I could have held her to the original lease but she would have given me all kinds of hell for that year plus in my area there are long waiting lists for apt specially being low income so if she kicked me out I would not have something to move into give you idea how long the lists are. I got on a list for apt that leaves open certain amt of the apt forr low income 4 years ago. I'm now at about 5 or 6 down from the top and their are 7 pages of small lines of names.they are really nice and nobody wants to move out. Fingers crossed that it is soon.
I had something similar happen to me. My lease expired a couple months before i gave 30 days notice. I never received a lease renewal. I left the place better than when I moved in. They sent me a letter two weeks later that they weren't giving me my deposit (one month rent) because I didn't give 60 day notice per the lease. So i looked up tenant law in my state. Apparently if you do not sign a new lease, you automically become a month to month tenant which in my state only requires 27 days notice. I sent them a letter citing the law and that I expected my deposit within a week or I would see them in court. I got my money shortly thereafter! It pays to read tenant laws in your state!
Odd situation. I would side with Landlord on the 60 day notice. They are not baby sitters. They need to know so they can flip the unit. The rest mostly side with tenant. The thing is, you have limited time when you move in to claim damage or cleanings or pests (if you are responsible after moving in). So if you moved into dirty house, in most places, you have 5 days to notify Landlord of damages and stuff. Buying a vacuum is not a remediation as you would get anyways. But asking for a small credit for cleaning would have been honest at time of issue. But again, not following the contract and lying set them up for a failure that they would have likely won if you filed a dispute. That was probably main reason they refunded, not being scared of corporate.
The only time you have to give notice is if you are month to month or if you are leaving before the "end of lease" date. The lease itself states "move out by xxx" which both parties agreed to. If you are not renewing the lease then that legally binding contract is sufficient.
Load More Replies...
The only thing 100% about this is the amount of B******t the "victim" is shoveling. Another Fake f*****g story from these Shitpigs.
The problem with cleaning is that everyone's idea of clean is different. I've been a property manager for 20 years. I've had tenants apologize to me for not being able to clean the unit better, and I went in and literally could not find a single thing dirty. On the other side I've had tenants tell me that they clean houses for a living and that the place is spotless and I walked in the house and my shoes stuck to the floor and I didn't want to touch anything because it was so disgustingly dirty. So there is always going to be disagreement about how much the cleaning cost to do because a tenant always thinks they left a spotless place and a landlord usually says it's not clean enough. In 20 years I've only had a few dozen move-outs that needed no additional cleaning at all. Everyone misses something. We actually always eat the first $100 worth of cleaning for that reason. If a tenant leaves it within $100 worth of clean they don't get charged a cleaning fee.
I rented a place after the landlord said it was clean, even though I could hear shoes sticking to the floor as we walked through.It appeared clean, shiny taps and all, but as a cleaner, I knew it needed a deep clean. The guy excuses himself and checks out the interior of my car, something, he tells us, he always does with new tenants. Fair enough. We sign a lease and give half a month's rent as a damage deposit. We live there only about 18 months and he's kind of a d!ck to deal with about everything. At one point, he does an inspection (for insurance renewal purposes), giving us the minimum required advance warning and clearly the place is clean and well looked after. We decide to move. On moving day, he failed to show up after I called and ask that the damage deposit be returned. He said it would have to wait until he returned home from out of town. A week later he calls to return the damage deposit and then offers me a job cleaning rentals for him, after tenants move.
Load More Replies... Part of the scam is having to give 60 days notice of move-out; yet apartment availability isn't usually advertised until 30 days before the apartment is able to be moved into. So it forces tenants to give notice before they even have another place to move to; or they wind up having to pay an extra month's rent. Everyone should read up on the laws applicable to where they live regarding rentals. For example: Where I live, if carpet is 2 years old or older, it must be replaced. If it is under 2 years old, and in good condition, it can be cleaned. The apartment also must be re-painted.
If they are going to hire a cleaning company regardless, then they should say so from the beginning instead of implying you would get your deposit back if you don't leave it completely trashed.
If you want to investigate slumlords there is one in Barstow California. My son and his wife and 2 yr old moved into a concrete underground place that resembles a "bunker". I was concerned so I contacted San Bernardino County where I was informed that they done have any cordinance for the address I gave them. (40901 Paradise View Rd., #2, Barstow CA 92311) I could list all the violations and illegal replacements, rigs, etc but It would take a whole weekend
Reminds me of one Apt I moved out of. After walk through and cleaning fees, they owed me like 400 dollars. Said I'd get a check in 15 days. Waited, and no check. Called them and they said it was an oversight. So wait another 15 days. Called again. Check is in the mail, they said. Waited 15 more days. Called again and again was told, just wait. 15 days later, after two months, I call and as for their corporate legal phone number, as my lawyer has lawsuit papers drawn up, for the deposit, plus damages. I was totally bluffing, but they sent a check over by messenger that same day. Nice gets hosed, and threats work immediately. Sad world we live in.
Landlords and property managers are honestly the scum of the earth. Humans have a few BASIC rights; the right to shelter, food and security. In our day and age, these should be a given. And yet, landlords are more than happy to see homeless people, especially if they cant pay out the nose for their shitty apartment the landlords NEVER care for. I've yet to have a landlord that isnt a colossal scamming douchcanoe.
I had COVID a month prior to my lease being up . They were under new management and in order to pay the rent I had to pay with a cashiers check or sign up with the online payment and it was like $100 to set up . I let her know my rent would be a little late as I was under quarantine and soon after I had to fly to Hawaii to get my apartment and job situated but I would be back to pay ans finish cleaning up . I had left tve key for for my apartment with my boyfriend and when he went a week later tbey had already changed tve locks and taken all my stuff out . I had so much Tiffany’s jewelry there as well as a watch and two wedding bands along with furniture , a smoker , brand new clothes and shoes . They stated I abandoned the place but I was clear I was coming back and tbey literally never tried to contact me !!! I am back from Hawaii to take tbey to small claims court as tbey want me to pay for the last months rent but I refuse as I had made it clear I would be back !
Security deposits are illegal here, have never paid one in my life. Have lived on both coasts and the interior of Canada. As for not getting last months rent back, how can that be possible? The last month that you are there, you don't pay rent that is the point.
A landlord once tried to withhold part of the security deposit, because of a mold stain on one of the living room walls. The reason for the mold, was the porous caulking of the bathtub, on the other side of the wall. I pointed this out when I viewed the apartment, BEFORE I moved in. First in person, then by phone and also in writing (with pictures). I had copies of everything; to be on the safe side! The landlord never had it repaired. I then eventually tried, frustrated, to seal it with silicone... but apparently not very successfully. There were more "problems" and repairs, that I had to do myself... because he couldn't care less. When I moved out, about 1 year later, I discovered the mold stain behind the living room cupboard. I sent him all the bills, all the correspondence, a list of how many times I had spoken to him on the phone and a note that I could have my lawyer do it. 3 days later, I had my deposit back.
My apt complex gave an upstairs neighbor who kept her apt spotless a hard time during the walk thru at the end of her lease. To the point she just management just keep the deposit. Mgr pulled some hinky stuff regarding renewing a lease making me sign a second lease because she put the wrong rent amt on the first that had already been signed by both of us and was stated a legal document. Yes I could have held her to the original lease but she would have given me all kinds of hell for that year plus in my area there are long waiting lists for apt specially being low income so if she kicked me out I would not have something to move into give you idea how long the lists are. I got on a list for apt that leaves open certain amt of the apt forr low income 4 years ago. I'm now at about 5 or 6 down from the top and their are 7 pages of small lines of names.they are really nice and nobody wants to move out. Fingers crossed that it is soon.
I had something similar happen to me. My lease expired a couple months before i gave 30 days notice. I never received a lease renewal. I left the place better than when I moved in. They sent me a letter two weeks later that they weren't giving me my deposit (one month rent) because I didn't give 60 day notice per the lease. So i looked up tenant law in my state. Apparently if you do not sign a new lease, you automically become a month to month tenant which in my state only requires 27 days notice. I sent them a letter citing the law and that I expected my deposit within a week or I would see them in court. I got my money shortly thereafter! It pays to read tenant laws in your state!
Odd situation. I would side with Landlord on the 60 day notice. They are not baby sitters. They need to know so they can flip the unit. The rest mostly side with tenant. The thing is, you have limited time when you move in to claim damage or cleanings or pests (if you are responsible after moving in). So if you moved into dirty house, in most places, you have 5 days to notify Landlord of damages and stuff. Buying a vacuum is not a remediation as you would get anyways. But asking for a small credit for cleaning would have been honest at time of issue. But again, not following the contract and lying set them up for a failure that they would have likely won if you filed a dispute. That was probably main reason they refunded, not being scared of corporate.
The only time you have to give notice is if you are month to month or if you are leaving before the "end of lease" date. The lease itself states "move out by xxx" which both parties agreed to. If you are not renewing the lease then that legally binding contract is sufficient.
Load More Replies... The only thing 100% about this is the amount of B******t the "victim" is shoveling. Another Fake f*****g story from these Shitpigs.
61
22