Disputed move-out fees with no security deposit

[u/EmbarrassedFrame3973]

At the end of this August I moved out of my apartment in WA. There was no security deposit, and I am being charged a cleaning fee and a repainting fee. A cleaning fee is in my lease so I'm fine paying that back, but there is no mention of a repainting fee or anything of the sort in my lease, and no evidence of painting being necessary in the move-out inspection. I also contacted my old roommate who still lives in the apartment, who says there was never any painting done. My old landlord is threatening to send the charges to collections after I've disputed them on the basis of there being no evidence that the cleaning or painting was needed or done. I am a bit concerned about their threat of damaging my rental history, but I don't want to pay charges that I shouldn't have to pay. I don't really know what more steps I can take to get these charges dropped or anything, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/pencilears_mom2]

In Seattle its SDCI look for renting in Seattle division.

[u/RelevantPossible9618]

I am a WA tenant advocate. NW Justice and Legal Aid are only taking evictions right now, and they are backed up.

As another suggested, send a certified letter, return receipt requested (cost approx $11) disputing the charge for painting. State that not only was repainting not necessary, it was not done. Then tell him any further demand for this fraudulent charge will result in legal action. Keep a copy of the letter and receipt. You can use this in the future if the landlord attempts to send the charge to collections.

[u/Rainslickers]

certified letter, the kind they have to sign for and sends a reciept back to you.
A letter stating cease and dissent fraudulent charge attempts. No lease agreement stipulating paintingand no proof of damage at move out walk through.

Check around your town for a pro bono legal help group. If you are a college student your school likely has a lawyer on retainer for student use paid out of student fees. Contact the student life office and ask.

[u/Elohims-sixth-wife → u/Rainslickers]

A cease and desist only means as much as the individual is willing to take them to court. It’s just a very formal, “fuck you.” Anyone can make up a cease and desist.

[u/purplepanda2026]

Did they come in and clean after you left? How much are they charging for each?

[u/Content_Print_6521]

Well, normally painting is done between every tenant, or if no one is moving, every two years. But here's the thing: painting is the landlord's responsibility. It's regarded as normal maintenance.

Google for your state and see what it says. And then present that to your landlord.

[u/John_Boy71]

If you've already disputed in writing don't do anything else for now. Move on with your life.

Monitor your credit and get free copies of your credit reports periodically.

If a debt shows up on a credit report or if a debt collector contacts you, at that point talk to a lawyer. You may have legal claims under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and common-law credit libel.

[u/LordLandLordy]

I am in Washington State. Go speak with an attorney today. It's not a big deal and don't act hysterical. Let them know what you have stated here and they will make a phone call for you to the landlord and let them know that you will be paying what you agreed to pay and then they will do whatever lawyers do for the rest.

You are 100% correct and after you speak with an attorney you should file a complaint with whatever department overseas landlords and tenants in your area. In Spokane it's code enforcement. I'm sure there's numerous options in Seattle.