TV Damage

[Mr. Tenant]

My question involves a security deposit in the State of: VA

My landlord is threatening to offset my deposit for damage to an older TV that was left in the house. We never used it. We moved it into storage the first day we moved in. We never checked if it worked during the walkthrough. When we moved out, we did not check it during the walkthrough. The landlord moved it back and now claims it is broken. Any opinions on whether he can legally offset my deposit?

Thanks.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Have you looked into its value? Used CRT TV's often sell for next to nothing these days.

[Mr. Tenant]

So are you saying he is entitled to the value of the TV instead of repair costs?

Thanks.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Without getting into the merits of his claim, his damages are the lesser of the cost of repair or the cost of replacement (the depreciated value of the set).