Getting your deposit back after rental problems

Questioner

Hello, I have rented privately for almost 4 years until the end of March. I do not get the deposit back. A whole laundry list that he comes up with 2 months later. In the meantime the house has been sold and he has photos of the bathroom that do not look good. But that I did not leave like that. On March 28th when I handed in the key, nothing was said of what he now claims, only that a strip was missing from the oven, I had that oven removed from my rental because it was dirty and impossible to clean. And that he would make sure that the garbage bags would be put on the street, because I moved 30 km away. He claims that it was broken and had to have it repaired for €300. And he needed the rest to 'clean'. However, on March 28th when I handed in the key, there was already a lot of renovation going on, plaster walls had already been broken out, doors were sanded down with an open facade to make the house ready for sale. The house was a white dust haze. He never made a report on the condition of the rented space, nor did he give me the opportunity to clean what he found dirty. Have already written the landlord a registered letter to which he responds that he will look forward to the next steps. The deposit to be reclaimed amounts to €710,- which is a lot of money. What options do I still have to get my deposit back?

Lawyer

If the landlord remains unwilling, you can turn to the court. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible for your defense. Before you want to take this step, a letter from a lawyer may be able to get the case moving. If desired, I can assist you in this case.

Lawyer

Due to the lack of make-up lists for the rental and upon delivery, the landlord must prove that you left the rented property in a state that was worse and falls outside the normal line of wear and tear. because that may not be deducted from the deposit. Then the landlord must provide the proof at the time of delivery or as soon as possible thereafter. Otherwise he gives up his rights. But even if the landlord can provide this (the proof), the question remains whether he actually suffers the damage he claims; things deteriorate and have a usage value or current value which is sometimes nil; if the landlord decides to renovate anyway, he has no real damage, ergo he is enriched at your expense and the situation. So there is definitely something to be said against this and I can certainly help you.