Hello all, could use some advice.
I'm currently house hunting, and have an offer in on a place STC. Whilst all this is going on, I'm moving out of my rental, as my girlfriends parents have graciously offered to put us up until our possession date.
The townhouse was a 2012 build, finished in Fall 2012. I was the first tenant in January 2013.
My damage deposit was supposed to have $150 removed from it for cleaning after I moved out, which I agreed to and signed it in the lease.
At this moment, we haven't completed the end of lease walkthru, but they have been doing showings whilst I'm away from work.
The landlord is represented by an agent with whom I deal, and she is now telling me that the cheap cabinets (which are supposed to be an upgrade) are chipping and this is not normal wear and tear.
Here's some photographs after a quick polish with some wood stain:
Apparently she has been quoted $200 by a contractor to fix them.
I believe she's trying it on, i spoke to a couple of neighbours and was told theirs are exactly the same. Its just cheap finished cabinets that are showing 3 years worth of use.
At the moment, I haven't paid the final months rent cheque. I am however happy to let them keep my damage deposit, I'll keep my rent cheque and pay them the $150 that was agreed to for cleaning at the start.
I have read that in AB, the landlord can't deduct for reasonable wear and tear (which I believe this should be considered), so long as the tenant takes reasonable care to not damage the stuff and keep it in good condition. I assume cleaning the kitchen covers this.
Advice?
TL;DR - Landlord says chipping to cheap ass kitchen cabinets aren't normal wear and tear after 3 years and is trying to get an additional $200 from me to fix them.