Like many of the reviewers here who have posted before me, I received egregious and unsubstantiated fees upon move-out. I was charged approximately $1500 on top of my security deposit for charges pertaining to replacing the carpet in my apartment, which we had been renting for 3 years. Furthermore, this debt was immediately sent to a collection agency. For people who might be in a similar situation, here is what I did:

1) If you haven't already moved out yet, TAKE PICTURES! Very thorough pictures. If you have already moved out and don't have pictures, don't worry -- I didn't either but I still won my case and got my security deposit back.

2) DO NOT (under any circumstances) pay the debt collection agency. Send a certified letter disputing your claim (do this right away because you only have 30 days to dispute your claim before it can affect your credit).

3) File a claim in Small Claims Court against Mt. Vernon Plaza associates (sue Elaine Thomas or Erika Flowers). That costs less than $16.

4) Show up to court and explain your case. More likely than not, you will win.

To all potential renters, DO NOT SIGN A LEASE! I am currently in the process of contacting the Washington Post regarding this company and their awful business model that is centered around fraudulent documents and sheer intimidation tactics. I have never had a problem renting before, but these people are awful upon move-out and I would hate to see anyone else go through what I went through.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/09/2009
WAY TO GO!!!! I love to see people fight back against the machine!! KUDOS TO YOU!!!

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