I just learned from the Clark Howard radio show that an apartment complex landlord is not allowed to deduct from a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear.

This is according to the Oregon Department of Consumer Affairs.

Also, it turns out that the law states that deposit money must be returned within 30 days, or the landlord will instantly be fined for not doing so.

I was at The Lakes for 3 months (short-term lease for an internship). When I checked out, I was told the apartment was in 'great' condition. I left it in better condition than they gave it to me (with black mold covering the bathtub area that I proudly cleaned as this was my first apartment).

I finally received my money about 45 days later, with nearly $100 deducted for "painting the walls" and shampooing the carpet.

I'm guessing they confused my apartment with someone else's, because everything was left super-clean, and the paint was new when I moved in. (I never touched the walls!)

So BEWARE about your deposit money. If you do select The Lakes, please take pictures of everything when you move out, to use as evidence to keep your deposit money. Also contact your Consumer Affairs office if they don't return the deposit after 30 days. They deserve to be taught!


Also, in reading some of the other reviews, it's funny how people call it "a lake". It's a PROTECTED WETLAND! Now think about the insects, rodents, and so on that typically reside around wetland areas. Try to avoid getting an apartment facing the wetland because you'll regret the smell during the summer and the insects you get bitten by as you walk back to your apartment at night. ;-)

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/17/2008
That's funny, in the earlier post it took about 60 days to get your money back, and now it's only 45. don't post twice it lowers the ratings and most the apartments already have inflated low ratings because people are more inclined to ----- about problems they had then to tell everyone about an ok or good time they had in an apartment.

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