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Excessive Charge on repairs

  • Thread starter Thread starter lutzla23
  • Start date Start date

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lutzla23

Guest
What is the name of your state? Iowa.

I was charged what I believe to be an excessive amount for repair of nail holes to apartment walls. I was asked specifically not to repair holes in the walls by the landlord, both verbally and in writing.

If he charges me for repairs is he obligated to give me the option to provide my own estimates of repairs?

Thank you,
 


HomeGuru

Senior Member
lutzla23 said:
What is the name of your state? Iowa.

I was charged what I believe to be an excessive amount for repair of nail holes to apartment walls. I was asked specifically not to repair holes in the walls by the landlord, both verbally and in writing.

If he charges me for repairs is he obligated to give me the option to provide my own estimates of repairs?

Thank you,

**A: no.............
 
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lutzla23

Guest
Response to answer

So if I get charged an excess amount, such as $800 for repairs, I have no recourse?

How is the tenant protected against being charged for unneeded repairs, or false repairs if not given the opportunity to correct the problem?

I suppose the underlying question is what is stopping the landlord from excessively charging tenants for repairs and normal wear and tear? (Good will and honesty?)
 
In ND if the LL kepy any of your deposit for repair costs you were entitled to see the receipt/cost for the repairs done.

My wife, then fiance, actually got some money back from the LL because they had been charging her previous roomates and her for carpet cleaning when in fact no cleaning had been done. When she challenged them on it and they couldn't produce a record or receipt she was cut a check for the amount she had been charged plus interest.

D8D
 
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lutzla23

Guest
Question still not answered

Thank you for all your inputs but my underlying question is still not answered. I have been furnished with a receipt for repairs. These repairs were just for repair on nail-hole in the wall, as listed on receipt also. I also have read my landlord tenant laws for the state of Iowa and I cannot find a section where it talks about excessive charges.

I understand that I am liable for the repairs to the wall, I am simply questioning the amount that I was charged.

However I believe the amount that I was charged out of my deposit was an excessive amount for the repairs that were done, I believe that I could have offered other estimates that would have been cheaper but I was not allowed to do so based upon my lease contract.

My questions really is two parts, One—Does the landlord have to offer me the chance to repair the damaged myself? If the answer is “No” and that is what HomeGuru previously stated, then…Two—what is stopping a landlord from excessively charging tenants for repairs, when furnished a receipt?
 

BelizeBreeze

Senior Member
However I believe the amount that I was charged out of my deposit was an excessive amount for the repairs that were done, I believe that I could have offered other estimates that would have been cheaper but I was not allowed to do so based upon my lease contract.
And, of course, you are probably right. However, legally it's not your property and you have no dog in this fight. The landlord is well within his rights to have the repairs done by a professional.

Nowhere in your post have you explained how many holes there were, how long the repairs took and in how much of the house they were done. A drywall repair and paint job could easily run to $800 and more if done by a professional.
 
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lutzla23

Guest
Thank you

Thank you for the explanation, I understand.

I appreciate everyone’s response and time!
 

TomBrooklyn

Junior Member
HomeGuru said:
I am glad this is over.
Hi HG: From replies you made to several threads I read on the first page of the forum today; I got the impression you like to resolve things very quickly and succinctly. :) TomBk
 

HomeGuru

Senior Member
TomBrooklyn said:
Hi HG: From replies you made to several threads I read on the first page of the forum today; I got the impression you like to resolve things very quickly and succinctly. :) TomBk


**A: yes, that is correct except when it comes to sex.
 

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