4
My landlord tried to keep my whole security deposit for 'cleaning' after I left my Logan Square place spotless
Last Tuesday I got the check in the mail, and it was for $0. They sent a list saying they had to do a 'deep clean' and 'repaint' the whole apartment, costing $1,850. I took pictures and video before I left, the place was cleaner than when I moved in. I even have the move-in checklist from three years ago where I noted all the existing scuffs. I called them and the property manager just said 'that's standard.' I'm so mad because that money was for my new place's deposit. Has anyone in Chicago actually fought this and won without a lawyer? What's the first step, just sending a demand letter?
4 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In4 Comments
ray_sullivan2mo ago
$1,850 for a deep clean and repaint in Logan Square is an INSANE number they just made up. That's not standard, that's a total scam. You have pictures and the old checklist, which is perfect. Your first step is absolutely a demand letter sent certified mail. Outline the law, list your proof, and give them a short deadline to return your full deposit. If they ignore it, you file in small claims court. The forms are online and the filing fee is way less than your deposit.
8
kelly.patricia2mo ago
Seriously, that's the only way to deal with these guys. Certified mail proves they got it, and small claims court is a lot less scary than it sounds. They're banking on you just giving up.
8
jordan_hill11d ago
My cousin had the same thing happen in Ukranian Village a couple years ago. She sent the demand letter certified mail and they still blew her off for three weeks. So she just filed in small claims court, cost her like 50 bucks. When they got the court summons, suddenly they wanted to settle for 90% of her deposit. She held out and got the full amount plus court costs. The whole process took about two months but she didn't hire a lawyer or anything. It's honestly worth the hassle because these landlords count on people being too scared or busy to fight.
3