Landlord Dispute Over Walls

Summary

Landlords in Arizona can deduct from a security deposit for excessive dirtiness. If you were instructed not to clean the walls but have no evidence, you can try explaining the situation to your landlord, seek advice from a local tenants rights organization, or consult a legal professional if the dispute continues.

Full Conversation

landlord charging me for dirtying the wall after the leasing office explicitly told me not to clean it
Hi Andy, I'm sorry to hear about this. Could you please share where this is happening, as laws vary by location? Did you get the instruction not to clean the walls in writing from your landlord or leasing office?
arizona
In Arizona, landlords can deduct from a security deposit for excessive dirtiness. However, if you were explicitly told not to clean the walls, you may dispute this. If possible, provide any evidence of this instruction.
no evidence
Hi Andy, as you don't have evidence, it's more challenging. However, you could:
- Talk to your landlord explaining what happened
- Seek advice from a local tenant's rights organization
- Consult a legal professional if the dispute continues.