LL want us to pay thousand for damaged wood closet

[parker73]

Hi,

I just moved out my apartment. Now, my ex-LL is asking me for thousands of $$ to change his wood closets in the kitchen because there are some marks on the wood. The marks have been caused by the vapor of a my rice cooker. The wood is absolutley not rotten. The LL want to keep my $2000 security and possibly ask more if necessary. Is it legal? Can he force me to replace the cabinet because of the marks?

Thanks for any advice

[TenantNet]

Well don't admit your rice cooker did it; make him prove it. Beyond that it's normal wear and tear.

[parker73]

Thanks! But would it be legal for him to ask for more than the security deposit?

[mjr203]

Sure he can sue you for damages

but ain't no way that some vapor from a rice cooker costs 2 g's to replace a wood closet.

I'd take him to small claims immediately if I were you.

check out previous posts about security deposit return... he is only entitled to deduct for damages outside "wear and tear" and must prove with receipts for repairs. LLs are shady all the time about deposits. Don't Let him get away with it!!!

-POINTER

[parker73]

Thanks for the advices.

[parker73]

In fact the closets are of good quality. But since he is the one making them, I don't think he will have difficulty to find the same closets. Only the closet's doors are "damaged". The wood did not disentegrate but it becomes darker at one spot and the difference in color is visible with the rest of the closet's door.

Thanks for your input.

[parker73]

Sorry for my broken english. I was in fact speaking of particle-board cabinet...