Deposit Deduction Question

[Erin Shirey]

When I purchased this duplex in January this unit had carpet in the living room, but a few months later while I was turning the other side the tenants showed me they had removed the existing carpet and put down a peel-and-stick vinyl down. I said it was fine, since they kind of put me on the spot, and it does look ok, though now the apartment has four different types of flooring.

Our relationship has become somewhat strained during their move-out process, mostly due to her not immediately getting her way in any given situation (e.g. she tried to insist that I drop everything to come do a walkthrough with her at 6:00pm on a weekday and I refused). The morning after she turned over the keys she asked if they could come back to get some crib pieces that had been left in the upstairs closet. I said sure and told them where I had hidden the key for the carpet cleaner who was coming that day (mistake!). Later that evening she asked if they would get their whole deposit back and I said it was unlikely (probably also a mistake). While they were there getting the crib parts they removed a ceiling fan (they claim they put it up; there was a spare light fixture so I mostly believe them) and at some point left a gift one of the toilets (I had already been by to turn the water off because it sounded like that one was leaking) that I did not discover until after I had replaced the leaking valve in the tank. 

They have since contacted me about the toilet leak, as it made their water bill unusually high. They want some sort of assistance but their lease makes it pretty clear that maintenance requests must be submitted in writing and they did not request the repair.

Will definitely charge them for replacing the light fixture; should I charge them for the carpet? The poo? I don't want to be petty but I also don't want to just roll over on things either.

[Deanna McCormick]

no deduction for flooring you told tenant that was fine...

Ceiling fan should have been left.

Poo no you turned off water..

Water bill to high they should have told you, no adjustments.

you took ownership in Jan you should have done condition walk thru with a week or so of ownership, as date of your ownership is date to start making deductions, you purchased property in condition as was closing date.