Location: Central Pennsylvania
Hi all... just wondering what kind of power I may have in this situation. Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but oh well.
We moved out of our townhouse a few weeks ago and have been billed for a move-out fee (we terminated our lease early and knew this charge would be coming).
However, there were also charges for: drywall damage ($95), painting ($800), cleaning ($165) - (even though we already had the townhouse professionally cleaned), and carpet cleaning ($265).
I have checked through our lease for evidence that we are required to pay these charges. The lease states that tenant responsibility for carpet cleaning is required - BUT - this is only listed in reference to animal damage and smoking damage.... We have not had pets in our home, nor do we smoke. Do i have a case here? We should have "proof" of our lack of pets as we never paid the pet/animal fee, but i don't know how we could prove these. There are no references specifically to having the townhouse cleaned, drywall, or paint.
The lease DOES reference tenants needing to reimburse for damage/cost of repairs or service due to "a violation of the lease contract or rules; or improper use, negligence, or intentional conduct by your or your occupants, invitees, or guests"
We have been good tenants, with our worst offense being command strips ripping off a few spots of drywall. I do not feel we have been negligent, improperly using our space, or intentionally damaging anything. I am considering asking for receipts of the services to even prove that they were done/cost as much as they do. i think that the wording of the lease leaves room for interpretation...