This might vary in your state, but normal wear and tear is not a valid reason to withhold a tenant's security deposit. You'll find that there just as many landlords as tenants who are ignorant of rental regs.

See your consumer affairs dept. in your state. Find the laws that apply to you, then file a claim. It would be better if you took pics of your place as you left it to show the judge. Experts suggest a walk-through with the landlord with a check-off form each party signs to confirm each all is okay or not (e.g. holes in wall, cat urine on carpet, clean bathroom, dead body in attic, etc.).

Sherwood

always take a video when you move in and when you move out - a smart LL does too...

ask for an itemized list of problems and consider solving them yourself

I treat a rental like a camp site - it is a point of pride to leave it in better condition than you found it. As a (former) migrant worker (college professor) I had a lot of rentals too.

In some states a rental company would have to be licensed thru the state real estate commisson. Might want to check in Missouri and file a complaint.

Small claims, i'm sure you would prevail but what a hassle.

What is amazing to me is that you were able to buy the property.

Thats pretty amazing in this crazy market.

Good for you.

Oh, we will take pics. I haven't really been here long enough to cause wear and tear issues... the house actually falls apart...

However, I didn't get my deposit back on the apartment I moved out of when I moved in here... after seven years of living there, they were unhappy that the carpet wasn't in great shape. I was pretty peeved about that.

I'm heavily considering taking ym landlord to small claims once we move out. He didn't provide the house he was supposed to. For over a year, almost half the house was non-functional due to electricity being out, non locking doors, etc...