Steven Anthony    |    Boston    ,    Massachusetts 02128    Landlord Complaint 23-8404

Our lease ended May 1, 2017, and we left the premises April 12. Steve, our landlord was not available the day we left, but we had given plenty of notice when we were leaving. On May 9, we asked when we would get out deposit mailed back to us, and were informed that we would not be receiving the full deposit because the stove and ceiling fan were dirty. We were told a \"cleaning lady\" would have to be hired before new tenants moved in June 1. The lease clearly states that normal wear and tear is not cause for not receiving the entire deposit back. We tried to reason with Steve, and point out Massachusetts law, and the written lease stating that we should be receiving the full $300 deposit because we did not cause any damage to the property. At this point he refused to speak to us any further. I will also point out that landlords are required to return the deposit back to the former tenant within 30 days of the end of the lease, and being June 1st, we still have not received our security deposit after the full month of May. Despite there being multiple safety issues with the building at 105 Eutaw Street in Boston, we gave him the benefit of the doubt due to his so called busy schedule. These issues included no faucet in the bathroom for two weeks, a bedroom window not being able to open, the unsafe back porch stairs never being cleared during a snow storm, and when our washing machine broke due to improper installation, Steve said not to use it, and he left the country for over a month without giving us any solution for repair. Steve tried to tell us that he was being punished for giving us a chance, and claimed he has documentation proving we tried to break out lease. However, we only had an in person discussion with him, letting him know that our finances were tight, and in the future it might come to us having to leave, and asked what our options were. We always paid rent in full on time throughout the year. We are entitled to our full $300 deposit back, and not fall victim to a landlord that attempts to take advantage of his tenants.