I just got a letter from the Preiss Co saying I owed money for minor cleaning/repairs to the apartment (even tho I am pretty sure it was left in good condition). Anyway, this came about 6 months after I moved out. I know a landlord must either return your security deposit or inform you of problems within 30 days (http://www.rentlaw.com/northcarolinatenant.htm), but does anyone know if there is a similar limit to how long they can send you a bill (I had a cosigner instead of a security deposit)

12/10/2007 9:37:29 AM

read your lease

12/10/2007 9:48:21 AM

We did, no mention.

12/10/2007 10:04:44 AM

so are you saying they took your whole security deposit, and then hit you up for more money 6 months later?


or you got some of your deposit back, then they billed you later?


also, since you know about the 30 day limit, did they tell you they had to fix anything within the 30 days after you moved out? if not, i'd say they shit outta luck.

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 10:11 AM. Reason : .]

12/10/2007 10:10:12 AM

Preiss co. gave us a choice of either having a security deposit or having a cosigner. We chose having a cosigner, so they collected no security deposit.

And no, I was never informed after I moved out of any problems. This letter is the first time I had heard from them since I turned in my keys

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 10:18 AM. Reason : v]

12/10/2007 10:17:15 AM

I'd contact them and mention that your lease says nothing of the sort, and mention the 30-day period. If they still insist on pursuing it, talk to Student Legal Services and see what advice they can give you.

Also, have you made certain that they didn't contact your cosigner without informing you during the period where you didn't hear anything?

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 10:22 AM. Reason : oh]

12/10/2007 10:21:19 AM

I'm going to call them today. And yeah, I am certain they did not contact my cosigner. Thanks all.

12/10/2007 10:24:45 AM

same exact thing happened to me but they only charged me like 10 bucks so i just paid it rather than worry about it. im guessing they charged you more tho

12/10/2007 10:26:27 AM

to Preiss to suck your dick. The rental office lady probably fucked her b/f in your empty apt. left a stain and then the manager came in saw the mess. Now he wants to charge you for the damages.

12/10/2007 10:34:04 AM

i would've spent a thousand dollars to avoid paying those assholes another $10

12/10/2007 10:35:03 AM

Send them a letter saying you will send them a response in six months.

12/10/2007 10:51:22 AM

if there is a 30 day time limit, then no, don't pay them and inform them of the time limit.

12/10/2007 10:51:33 AM

According to NC Real Estate law, the landlord must give you back the deposit within 30 days AND/OR provide an itemized list of the charges within the thirty day period. Seems to me that they exceeded the limit.

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 12:29 PM. Reason : Contact a professional (LAWYER)]

12/10/2007 12:26:22 PM

most people that work in rental offices don't know dick about rental law. let them know you've researched at least some of your rights (ie the 30 day limit) and more than likely they'll quit trying to hassle you. make sure you tell them the exact date of the end of your lease, the date of the end of the 30 day period, and the date you were contacted (either the date of the letter, or the phone call or whatever). tell them you don't plan to pay them a dime.

hell, for all you know they could have rented your apartment to someone else during those 6 months, that person skipped town or some shit, and they're trying to recoup some of their losses. see if any of your room mates got the same bill.

most likely they hit kids with this shit and the students just fork over the cash to avoid trouble.

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 12:35 PM. Reason : .]

12/10/2007 12:34:01 PM

I hope they know the law considering most of these kinds of activities usually require a R.E license. (Yes, even property management requires a valid NC Real estate license..unless you are managing your own properties.)

[Edited on December 10, 2007 at 12:43 PM. Reason : ]

12/10/2007 12:41:13 PM

I remember almost renting from Priess like 5 years ago. Surprisingly they let me break the lease after signing it (I ended up having to move out of town before actually moving in) because the property wasn't complete anyway.

all I remember is the girl I dealt with was young (mid 20's) and always had her breasts hanging out.

12/10/2007 12:57:31 PM

^^ they don't make the dumb chicks in the front office get a RE license do they? if so, that fucking thing must be a cinch to get. i've rented from two different companies (preiss, and trinity properties) and everyone i've dealt with sitting at a desk has been worthless. now i don't doubt someone in the office has their real estate license, but i'd be suprised if the people who do everything they can to get you to pay more $ have one.

12/10/2007 1:25:56 PM

It would be a good idea to document your correspondence and keep copies. I would personally send them a letter if your phone call doesn't clear things up. Student Legal services can also offer you advice if you are still a student. Good luck.

12/10/2007 1:44:54 PM

Just quote them NC law in a letter and tell them to STFU.

12/10/2007 5:37:52 PM

certified mail btw

12/10/2007 6:50:45 PM

dont pay them shit

12/10/2007 10:31:41 PM

talk to a lawyer.

12/12/2007 4:22:30 AM