Dispute Over Move-Out Condition

Certainly. The specific damages and wear and tear I've observed include: * **Master Bathroom Vanity:** Significant water staining and what appears to be a slight discoloration on the laminate countertop, extending beyond what would be considered a minor water spot. This is likely from the leaky faucet incident. * **Living Room Walls:** Several deep gouges and scuff marks on the walls, particularly around the doorways and in the main living area. These are more than just minor scuffs from furniture. * **Kitchen Countertops:** A noticeable chip on the edge of the granite countertop near the sink, which wasn't present at move-in. * **Bedroom Carpets:** In two of the bedrooms, there are several dark, set-in stains that cleaning has not removed, and the carpet pile is noticeably matted down in large sections, suggesting heavy, prolonged use without proper care. * **Exterior Siding:** A long, deep scratch on the vinyl siding on the west side of the house, consistent with a falling branch. While the branch fell, the severity of the scratch seems beyond what a single scrape would cause. * **Appliance - Refrigerator:** The interior of the refrigerator has a strong, persistent odor that cleaning has not eliminated, and there are some minor cosmetic damages to the shelving inside that weren't there initially.

Absolutely. I have a detailed move-in condition report that was signed by both myself and the tenant upon them taking possession of the property. This report meticulously lists the condition of every room, including any existing minor imperfections. I also have a substantial collection of photos and a video walkthrough from the move-in day, which clearly shows the property was in excellent condition with no significant damages.

Yes, I have a comprehensive set of move-out photos and videos. I took them the day after the tenant handed over the keys, before any cleaning or repairs were done. I have photos of every room, including close-ups of the specific areas I'm concerned about, like the bathroom vanity, the kitchen countertops, and the walls in the living room. I also have a video walkthrough of the entire property.

For a property like this, which is a single-family home with hardwood floors and painted walls, 'normal wear and tear' would include minor scuffs on walls from furniture being moved, slight fading of paint over time, carpet pile compression in high-traffic areas, and minor scratches on hardwood floors that are barely visible. It does NOT include deep gouges in walls, stained or ripped carpets, significant chips or cracks in countertops or fixtures, or damage to appliances beyond what's expected from regular use. Essentially, it's the natural deterioration that occurs from everyday living, not from neglect or misuse.

Yes, there were a couple of incidents. About six months into the tenancy, the tenant reported a leaky faucet in the master bathroom. While I had a plumber fix it promptly, the constant dripping for a few days before the repair likely contributed to some water staining on the vanity top. Also, during a particularly heavy storm about a year ago, a tree branch fell and scraped against the side of the house, causing a noticeable scratch on the exterior siding. The tenant did report the branch falling, but the siding damage wasn't immediately apparent until closer inspection after they moved out.