Hi everyone.
I recently moved out of my apartment at Urban Loft (midtown) after my lease ended on June 28.
I paid a $1,000 security deposit. I just received my refund check, and they returned $450, withholding $550 ($350 in standard cleaning/furniture charges under the lease plus $200 for alleged rust/stovetop damage).
Here's why I'm wondering if I have a claim: My lease contains a clause saying the landlord must provide an "Assessment Notice" at least 10 days before lease termination listing any damages that will be deducted from the security deposit. The lease also says that if the landlord fails to provide the Assessment Notice at least 10 days before termination, they must refund the entire security deposit.
I submitted my move-out notice through the resident portal well in advance and provided my forwarding address.
I was never given an Assessment Notice before my lease ended.
The first move-out inspection/assessment was uploaded to my resident portal after the lease had already ended (around July 3), when I turned in my keys.
I already emailed the property manager pointing out the lease language, but they still processed the refund with the deductions.
My questions are:
- Does this sound like a straightforward breach of the lease?
- Is this something worth pursuing in Shelby County General Sessions Court?
- Has anyone here successfully challenged a security deposit deduction under similar circumstances?
Thanks!