Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

Please see attached letter and backup documentation.[redacted], CFO

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your...

reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

First, the fees for the repair work were absurdly inflated and not usual and customary. The damage to the wall was minimal; not a hole kicked in it as stated. I used a photo of the door for my painter's review and her estimate was 1/4 the price.  The funds that were used to pay for this "job" were my security deposit, which would have been returned to me by the Landlord; therefore I paid for the job, not the Landlord. There was no need for a $200+ dumpster, as it was just a door. The Landlord instructed me to get my own estimates and for the relator, [redacted], to provide access to the home. She would not do that. It's unethical for [redacted], as a representative of her realty firm to hire her husband and present a bill for the exact amount of the security deposit, not allowing me to present my own estimate.  I believe I should be allowed to present my own estimate for the repairs that were done. I believe that [redacted] and [redacted] gave fraudulent estimates to the Landlord and profited immensely from my misfortune.

Regards,[redacted]

Review: A formal complaint against Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty and agent, [redacted] had helped me rent a house in [redacted] on [redacted], in January. She was very helpful in helping us secure the rental. We were required to put down a $2000.00 security deposit as well as a $250 non-refundable cleaning fee. Unfortunately, my son became very ill and we had to move into [redacted] to continue his medical care. The landlord agree to refund the security deposit, minus any repairs that had to be made. One door in the bathroom had to be replaced as my husband had to break it open to get my son out after he had a seizure and fell. He required hospitalization. And there was a small hole in the wall. This happened the day before we were moving. I did not have time to repair the door myself, however I did get estimates on the repair work as the door had to be ordered and faux painted. [redacted] gave the job to her husband, [redacted], who owns [redacted], to make the repairs and he sent in a bill to the landlord for $2000.00. The bill was outrageously inflated as my estimate came to around $700.00. It appears to me to be a conflict of interest at best, and a fraudulent, inflated price at worst. I feel that [redacted] and her husband. [redacted], took advantage of my situation to line their pockets with my security deposit; they knowing the exact amount. The landlord did request that they let me get the job done; however they bullied her into having them do the job. [redacted] also never submitted a detailed and itemized estimate.This is unethical behavior on the part of your agent and her husband. I am requesting a refund from [redacted] on the difference of my estimate and theirs and if not, I plan on contacting the Revdex.com, naming [redacted] and your agency, [redacted], as well as her husband's company, as well as the [redacted] Fraud department. I will also contact the [redacted] to issue a complaint. I would appreciate a response from this agency. Thank you.Desired Settlement: Refund of security deposit

Business

Response:

Please see attached letter and backup documentation.[redacted], CFO

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

First, the fees for the repair work were absurdly inflated and not usual and customary. The damage to the wall was minimal; not a hole kicked in it as stated. I used a photo of the door for my painter's review and her estimate was 1/4 the price. The funds that were used to pay for this "job" were my security deposit, which would have been returned to me by the Landlord; therefore I paid for the job, not the Landlord. There was no need for a $200+ dumpster, as it was just a door. The Landlord instructed me to get my own estimates and for the relator, [redacted], to provide access to the home. She would not do that. It's unethical for [redacted], as a representative of her realty firm to hire her husband and present a bill for the exact amount of the security deposit, not allowing me to present my own estimate. I believe I should be allowed to present my own estimate for the repairs that were done. I believe that [redacted] and [redacted] gave fraudulent estimates to the Landlord and profited immensely from my misfortune.

Regards,