Landlord Wants To Withhold Money From The Security Deposit in Michigan

[singlesis]

Hello everyone!

After giving proper notice, I moved out of my Roommates home on Jul 15, where I'd lived for 14 months and went out of my way making sure it was in immaculate condition. I left the keys and a note as to where to send my security deposit.

When I moved in there was no lock on my bedroom door and on several occassions saw evidence that my roommate had been in my room. She even made reference one day of how cold it was in there.

About 6 months before I left, I bought a door & installed a locking door knob. If she'd made mention of the lock on the door it would have only been further evidence that she'd been entering my room.

She was not "available" for a final walk through, however I made sure to take pictures of the condition of my area, before I left.

On August 6, she "dropped by" my new place with a check for $400 saying this is what she thinks is "fair" because she has to replace the lock on the bedroom door because she doesn't want locks on her doors. (Although I left the key) She went on to say there were burns on the carpet and she has to get the carpet cleaned and 2 holes in the wall of the closet where I'd hung a caddy for my shoes.

If there were burns in the carpet, they were there before I got there and from what I understand the 2 holes in the wall are normal wear & tear.
She's also trying to get me to pay for carpet cleaning (remember I have pictures)

She's obviously not being truthful, and I'm definitely not cashing her check.....but my questions are:

1) Do I have to pay for her to put another non-locking door knob on her door?

2) Should I ask for proof of the damage by way of pictures or should I just send the dispute letter and let her figure out how to prove it?

Thanks, I'll be checkin' back in

[Mr. Knowitall]

You should have put the landlord's doorknob back on the door before you left. Yes, you certainly can be charged for a new doorknob.

The landlord doesn't have to send you pictures.