Realtor stole security deposit- took her to small claims and won!

It was my first court case. I rented a condo in Mahogany Run last year. The lease said the unit had to be returned in "broom clean" condition- anticipating problems I hired a professional cleaner and took lots of pics.

Come move out time, she says the place is trashed, in "appalling" condition, and is keeping $400 for cleaning fees. Told me I would have to take her to court to get it back.

So I did, and won! Despite what I've read about the process, it was surprisingly easy as I had photos and it was pretty clear she does not reside on the same planet.

I've seen lots of posts about landlords/realtors stealing security deposits without resolution. I wanted to share mine and encourage anyone else in a similar situation to do the same!

Also somewhat curious- has anyone else had this done to them by a realtor working primarily out of Mahogany Run?

(tu)

Taking before and after pics and keeping good records and receipts is always a wise idea when renting.

I've been on the other side of the fence as a landlord and had tenants leave my rental in a disgusting manner which entailed a lot of cleaning, repairs and painting and expected the entire deposit back.
Wasn't going to happen so we went to small claims court. I won.
I also have a very good lease doc.

Good for you in leaving the rental in good and clean condition and winning your case. I can't say I know any realtors that steal deposits nor have I heard of such a thing until your post. Well, except for Rosemary Sauter, unfortunately but that's a whole other kettle of fish!

For some strange reason landlords everywhere think they have absolute power. Maybe it's because they sound like some sort of deity. Anyway, back in the states I returned my apartment in better condition than when I moved in. The "landlord" called me 35 days later and said he was not returning my deposit because I drilled a hole in his wood floor for the cable t.v. I took him to court and because he didn't notify me in writing within the required time he had to pay me double damages. $1800.00 plus interest. Laws are different from state to state but I wonder if they have double damage laws here as well.
So because he decided he was going to be a jackass it cost him and extra $900.00 and change.
I'm just wondering though how is the realtor involved? Isn't it the landlord that holds the deposit?

glad you won.

I'm just wondering though how is the realtor involved? Isn't it the landlord that holds the deposit?

If you have the misfortune to be forced into filing a suit against your landlord and the landlord is represented by a realtor/property management company then your best interests are served by naming them both in your lawsuit since the realtor/PMC is the landlord's agent.

I don't believe there is any double/tripe damages on the books here but of course you can sue for any additional compensation which a judge may award if it's determined that the defendant willfully and deliberately acted in bad faith.

The kicker is that a previous tenant did the tv installation and the landlord knew it all along. He tried telling the judge that I did it even though cable had been the only source of tv for decades prior to me living there. The judge didn't go for it and I suspect he awarded the double damages because the landlord tried to pull a fast one.
I would still try for double in the VI. If it is the law here they probably will not tell you unless you ask.