Expert: Michelle Mangen - 6/17/2009

Question
So i moved out of my apartment in Washington a little while ago. I left the apartment in the same shape it had been when i moved in (or better). My landlord just sent me my deposit back subtracting $94 for cleaning. My landlord was supposed to set up a move-out walk through, but i was never informed. There is a new tenet there now so there is no way to do it now, plus its 'now clean'. can i go after my $94 from them, cause i wasn't their or even given an invite to the walk through?

Answer
Cameron:

Thank you for the question.

As my profile states I am only familiar with WI Law regarding landlord/tenant.

In WI Landlords are not required to do a walk-through with the tenant, though a good one will always try to do so to avoid situations like you described.

However, one thing you should be entitled to ask them for is proof. The burden of proof is on them. You may also be able to ask them for receipts/invoices documenting the charges they deducted from your deposit.

Hope this helps some.

Michelle Mangen
Owner, Your Virtual Assistant
Neenah, WI
http://www.TheVirtualAsst.com