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This wasn't last mont's rent... it was a security deposit, which is quite different. I wrote them a letter and sent it certified mail telling them what I thought was off about the charges. Mostly, I am disputing what they charged me for labor to clean the apartment, since they charged me about twice what it would have cost to hire a professional. I'm getting them into a mediation process, so I hope we can come to an agreement. The mediators don't take sides, and they don't decide the outcome. They are just there to listen.
But, I have learned quite a bit about California tenant's rights!
Did you know that in Ca, they can't charge you more than $126 without proof they purchased goods and services? They have to give you your deposit back in 21 days after you leave with documentation of what they deducted. If they don't, you can sue them for the whole amount (or even more, if the witholding of your money caused you harm).
Also in CA they have to offer you an initial walkthrough before you move out and give you a chance to fix everything in the apartment that is damaged since you got there. They have to give you a list in writing, and you can document with pictures what you did. Oncelurked, that should help your situation. If not, it's cheap to file a suit in small claims court, only $22.
And, if they don't offer you a pre-move out walkthrough, they don't have the right to deduct stuff from your security deposit. How about those apples?
yea rights for the common man!
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