So I just got a notice from my old landlord saying I owe a huge cleaning fee, claiming the place was left a mess. The thing is, we spent two full days cleaning and have photos from our move-out walkthrough. They’re now threatening to send it to collections. Has anyone else had to deal with a security deposit dispute like this? I’m not sure what my next step should be or if their threat has any real weight.
That sounds rough I would gather your move out walkthrough notes and the cleaning photos and ask for an itemized bill for the security deposit demand If they threaten collections you can remind them of your documentation and ask for formal dispute steps
I know the nerve wrecking bit of a threat but with receipts and clear photos you usually have leverage in a security deposit dispute The landlord should show exactly what was not done or too dirty and how much it costs
Check your lease for rules about the security deposit like timelines and whether the landlord must provide an itemized charge Also see if your state has a deposit dispute process Often you can withhold payment until a formal dispute is resolved
Maybe the question is not only about cleaning but about whether the listed charge is fair rather than whether the place was spotless Is the fee really about returning the place to normal wear and tear or something else This reframes the issue
This reads like a scene where documents duel with a demand letter The security deposit is the stake The move out photos and notes might be worth a short note to the landlord showing your timeline and what you did You might aim for a calm concise statement
If you can prove the two days of cleaning and the walk through you did not miss much you stay on solid ground but be prepared for a long reply from the landlord The path to resolution often goes through written proof and if needed small claims