Disclosure I am not a lawyer, so you should seek legal advice still Although if it was me, then before I reported them, I would give them 1 last warning, by emailing them and getting a tough with them. Its best to stick to emails in situations that could become legal, so you have written proof of what you said and what they said. This helps further your case in court.
I would let them know that if they do not fully refund the money within a week, then you will be reporting them to the Maryland Attorney General (provide the link in the email so they see you know how to do it), and that I would then file in small claims court.
Then I would remind them... that I have photo proof of the carpet being clean, so if they continue to refuse to do the right thing, then they will not only still lose the $700 in court anyways, but will also lose more money from the legal process, plus the state of Maryland might even investigate you after our report. So I would tell them if you want to save yourself money, time, and your reputation, then I highly recommend you refund the $700 immediately.
Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to be a little aggressive in legal terms when someone is trying to take advantage of you. It helps that side realize that you're not only going to fight it, but that you also know how to fight it so you get your money back. But I hope things work out the easy way and they just agree to give it back after an email like that.
You're welcome to message me too. Although I can't give legal advice, I'm happy to help to give tips on how to avoid this in the future.
Hale_Realtor t1_j5piaec wrote
Reply to Merriweather District: Renter's Question! by nartarevs
Do you have a licensed Realtor? They should be able to provide you info to help direct you in the right direction too.
You should read the security deposit section of this Maryland government website..
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx#deposits
Whether or not you follow through with small claims, then you should report them the Maryland Attorney General since you have picture proof of the carpet being clean. https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/Complaints/landlordtenant.aspx
Disclosure I am not a lawyer, so you should seek legal advice still Although if it was me, then before I reported them, I would give them 1 last warning, by emailing them and getting a tough with them. Its best to stick to emails in situations that could become legal, so you have written proof of what you said and what they said. This helps further your case in court.
I would let them know that if they do not fully refund the money within a week, then you will be reporting them to the Maryland Attorney General (provide the link in the email so they see you know how to do it), and that I would then file in small claims court.
Then I would remind them... that I have photo proof of the carpet being clean, so if they continue to refuse to do the right thing, then they will not only still lose the $700 in court anyways, but will also lose more money from the legal process, plus the state of Maryland might even investigate you after our report. So I would tell them if you want to save yourself money, time, and your reputation, then I highly recommend you refund the $700 immediately.
Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to be a little aggressive in legal terms when someone is trying to take advantage of you. It helps that side realize that you're not only going to fight it, but that you also know how to fight it so you get your money back. But I hope things work out the easy way and they just agree to give it back after an email like that.
You're welcome to message me too. Although I can't give legal advice, I'm happy to help to give tips on how to avoid this in the future.