If it was a direct debit, then you dispute it with the bank.
Was the deposit held in a scheme?
Then let them arbitrate.
Sorry forgot to add I'm in UK.
first the law is on their side it's you that has to provide proof that their costs were excessive not just your word but pictures witness statements etc the deposit is a cash cow for landlords it's supposed to be regulated but in truth the area is so vague it ends up ones word against another's did you break this or didn't you did you dirty the wall or didn't you does the whole room really need repainting the list goes on unless you in fact take detailed assessments and proofs at the start of your tenancy it's your word against theirs and it's difficult they have the deposit possession is nine tenths of the law so they get away with things it's just another step down into the depths of the the sleaze of making money today you will lose like we all do
In many states the law says they have to give you the list within 30 days. If they don't and if they haven't returned your full deposit then they may owe triple that amount.
As far as what they charge for each damaged item- I would expect they will buy from the most expensive place and hire the most expensive worker to do the repair and this is legal- you would not win in court on that.
How this plays out depends on the number of days- what the damages are and what your state law is- among other things....
Can anyone please tell us where we stand. When we moved out of previous property we didn't release the bond because wanted to know what they were charging us for.
By the time the list came the house had sold. The amounts they were quoting were ludicrous and knowing they weren't going to get done we were reluctant to release the deposit so it is just sitting there doing nothing.
In the meantime a standing order carried on going out so have overpaid rent and they are keeping it until we release the deposit. Or until we start small claims and then they will counterclaim for damages.
Thanks x
