Dispute b/w Tenant & Landlord on Security Deposit & Repairs
2 years ago
Hi, I shifted out 10 days ago from a flat in Gurgaon that I rented for three and a half years. While moving out, I discussed with the landlord's agent on a few minor things which required repair & accrued electricity charges and handed him the keys. The landlord assured me that he would come back to me after a final bill in a few days after which my security deposit will be returned.
However, after a few days, the landlord has told me that I would also be required to pay for the painting and floor polishing of the flat. Also, he is not willing to give me an estimate of the expense. He has started the work already and told me that he will give me the final bill when the work is done. My questions:
1) I have never heard of any tenant paying for painting and floor polishing. I think both these things come under general wear & tear/use for which the tenant is already paying the rent. Please advise if I am thinking in the right direction.
2) Is it fair/legal for the Landlord to get the repairs done at his end and raise the bill with me? What if he raises too much? That also does not leave me with the opportunity to get things corrected at my end. E.g. If I don't agree with Rs 500/- as repair expense for the tube light, I don't have the opportunity to tell him that I can get it repaired because it has already been repaired by him.
3) What is the timeline of paying back the security deposit legally?
Happy to seek formal (paid for) advice if required.
If he is not paying you the security deposit in few days then send him a legal notice to recover that.
yes what he is asking you is unfair unless it was mentioned in the rent agreement.