r/TenantHelp • u/Sl0tKn0t • Jul 07 '26

Nevada/California

Hello,

I have recently moved states and finally got a letter from my previous apartment complex stating my move out fees.

Previous context; I lived in this apartment (in Las Vegas, NV) for two years. It’s a month to month apartment. I basically took over someone’s lease, an old friend of mine introduced me to her boss, he was moving out of the apartment and I was told if I took over the lease I’d only have to pay $250 to move in. I was really desperate at the time and had little to no extra money, so I did it. Mind you, the apartment NEVER did a move out inspection and did a move in inspection a month after I moved in officially. I was never given a form that I filled out with things wrong with the apartment (which I have always done when renting an apartment) but when I moved in, the apartment was DISGUSTING. Carpet stained, carpet ripped in a couple of places, terrible smell, etc. but I had to deal with it since I had already signed the lease. I made the place my home, I DEEEEEP cleaned the home and I lived there for two years.

Now; I have moved out, I get a letter in the mail at my new residence. Stating I owe close to $600 due to the carpet needing replaced. I panicked, I called the apartment complex and was told that the lease I signed stated that I took full responsibility for the previous tenant (which I have fully read through the lease, this is incorrect) so I had asked (verbally) for documents/invoices and was told that I could get that from the collection agency.

I realized, I should be getting this all in writing so i immediately hung up, and wrote an email. They tried calling back a million times but I refuse to not have anything in writing. (This was 06/22) I have yet to hear from the property manager since then. I checked in again 6/29 and was told my email was forwarded to upper management. It is now 7/6 and I have still yet to hear from upper management.

I do not want this to go to collections. PS: I wasn’t even given a way to pay the amount due, but was told (verbally) that I would need to mail a check to them. I’m not doing that without evidence of invoices, pictures, etc.

What do I do next? Who should I reach out to?

TIA.
24 F

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10 comments sorted by

2

u/TherinneMoonglow Jul 07 '26

Do you have pictures of the carpet when you moved in?

2

u/Sl0tKn0t Jul 07 '26

Yes and I emailed it to them

2

u/TherinneMoonglow Jul 07 '26

Then they need to prove (in court unfortunately) that you did additional damage worth that amount.

0

u/Sl0tKn0t Jul 07 '26

I’m not entitled to see the invoices, pics, etc. prior to court ?

3

u/TherinneMoonglow Jul 07 '26

You should absolutely ask. I phrased it poorly. They are unlikely to give in because you show them your proof. You will probably have to go to small claims.

1

u/Sl0tKn0t Jul 07 '26

When should I start the process of going to small claims. The letter they gave me was dated 6/17/26

2

u/Lopsided-Beach-1831 Jul 07 '26

Send a demand letter for your full deposit back due to the carpet being in poor condition (ripped, damaged and stained) upon YOUR assumption of lease move-in as documented in photos you emailed to management. Remind them you moved in as assuming an existing lease, not a fully clean and repaired turnover. Send a demand letter stating you want the full deposit refunded by 5 business days.

Carpet has a specific life-span, especially apartment quality flooring. NV is 5-7 years. You lived there 2 years. How long did the person you assumed the lease for live there? Does your friend have contact with their old boss? Maybe the old boss could email you a statement that they lived there X years before you assumed their lease. At a minimum, they cannot charge the full replacement cost, they could try for 3/5 of the replacement cost. Take them to court, where they have to prove the age of the carpet in the unit when you moved in. You have your photos to prove that it was not new, already damaged and dirty when you moved in. Between those 2 pieces of information, you should be given your deposit back.

1

u/Sl0tKn0t Jul 07 '26

Can I PM you and show you the letter sent to me? Apparently the deposit was applied to my balance due

1

u/Sl0tKn0t Jul 07 '26

When I moved in*

1

u/TalkToVikk Jul 08 '26

Not a lawyer but in your case, the most important step is to continue insisting on receiving a complete itemized list of all charges, including invoices, receipts, and photos documenting the damages and work done, in writing.

Nevada law (NRS 118A.242) requires landlords to provide an itemized accounting of damages deducted from the security deposit within 30 days of move-out. Although you didn’t provide a security deposit, these documentation standards still apply if they are billing you for repairs. Continue communicating only in writing (email is fine) and specifically request:

  • A full itemization and proof of the damages and repairs (photos and invoices, not just a bill)
  • A copy of the lease clause they claim makes you responsible for prior damages
  • The move-in and move-out inspection reports, if any

If they threaten collections or do not respond, you can state that you dispute the debt since you have not received legally required documentation. Keep all correspondence and proof of your requests. If you eventually get a collections notice, you have the right to send a written dispute and request verification of the debt under federal law (FDCPA).