AboutAl Romero, Ltrs. Expertise I can answer questions relating to general Real Estate in Pennsylvania including questions relating to Real Estate Investments and Landlord issues. I cannot delve out of my expertise ie;as in the practice of Law.
www.yorkhomeguide.com
Experience 5 years as an Investment property Advisor with a local Investment firm and 3 years of general practice.
Organizations National Realtors Association
R.A.Y.A.C
Pennsylvania Realtors Association
H.A.R
Publications york listings
Central Pa Real Estate Investors guide
Education/Credentials Center of Real Estate Law and Sales Practice.
Ltrs certified.
housevalues agent certification.
Expert: Al Romero, Ltrs. Date: 11/8/2007 Subject: tenant suing for security return
Question Dear Albert. I am holding 2nd Fl tenant security because they left behind abused, discolored & filthy carpet. After long struggle, finally we get new tenant under agreement new carpet must be installed in L&DRoom at list. Doing so we learn hard wood fl. is even worse (mildew, graying, fading, cracking, warping, splintering, stained, discolored wood). Running out of time we clean the wood chemically and install new carpet in LR,DR only. They also ripped linoleum so we installed tiles instead. We replaced abused top stove. All cost us over $3000 (without changing h.w.floor & other carpets). Now this former tenant is taking us to Small.C Court thru his attorney. I went to mine. Paid him $500. Now he is telling me it will be more if I want him to go to court with me. I am afraid if I don't take his offer then other one's might be able brain wash me & I might loose the case, especially if other one will show up in Court w. his attorney. What would you do? And, did I did anything wrong? 35y.old,2F home in NJ have 3y.old carpet but I will not have bill to prove it.
Answer Adam,
This is a question for the attorney section, but I can tell you this "a picture is worth a thousand words" especially in court. I take a picture of the property before its rented and after in case of bad tenet(before cleaning and fixing up) then when you go to court give them to the judge that usually settles it.
I had the same situation after the tenants attorney saw the pictures he just shook his head (he knew it was over). Judge was disgusted and ruled in my favor on a counter claim for repairs.
If you do not have the pictures property managers have also used a check in check out list, also in the leases are provisions for exiting instructions along with notice like shampooing carpets or replacement.
If you do not have either you have to "pay the piper" my friend in this case your attorney.
The best time to prepare for court is before you sign the contract.
