Accent Real Estate

Accent Real Estate LLC fail to provide itemize accounting (receipts) of tenants security deposit. Around December 2012, I called Accent Real Estate LLC in Jacksonville, NC for property management of my house at [redacted] NC XXXXX. I agreed to their service and a contract was initiated on January 5, 2013. Part of the contract agreement is a security deposit of $899.00 to cover any repairs and damages to the property during the tenants residency. To further fulfill the contract a payment of $899.00 was made to Accent Real Estate.The tenant lease was up on March 31, 2014 and not renewed; lease was fulfilled. The damages to the home are water damage to the hard wood floor in the dining area and a broken garage door. On April 25, 2014 I went to Accent Real Estate office to request the balance of the security deposit to fix the stated damages. I also asked for receipts to see how the security deposit was used. I was informed by Ms. [redacted] Broker Assistant, that I cannot receive any receipts at the current time because Ms. [redacted], Manager, was unavailable. According to Ms. [redacted] she does not have the authority to sign any checks or release any funds. She also reported that the tenant must be notified before releasing any funds. The following Monday I revisited the office and Ms. [redacted] Ms [redacted] and Ms [redacted] stated that the balance of the security deposit was $268.44. According to Ms. [redacted] Ms [redacted] and Ms [redacted] $640.56 was used towards the following - water utility [redacted] $40.56, lawn care [redacted] $60.00, house cleaning [redacted] $400.00, carpet cleaning and enzymes treatment [redacted] $140.00. Again I requested the receipts for the mentioned services but was told by Ms. [redacted] Ms [redacted] and Ms [redacted] that they cannot provide them because the file has not been closed. I followed up on April 30th and was told the same thing, also Ms. [redacted] is unavailable and file remains open. Within a week I sent several emails to Ms. [redacted] and Ms. [redacted] requesting copies of the receipts. I finally received copies via email on May 6, 2014, however they were illegible. At the current time I have yet to receive legible copies. I contacted each company to receive verification of services and amount spent. However, I have yet to receive any confirmation from [redacted] since the company's name is not listed. I contacted [redacted] because of the similarity in name but was informed by the owner that service was never rendered at my address, [redacted] NC XXXXX. It's been over 30 days since the tenant left and I still have not received any receipts for Accent Real Estate accounting for the security deposit. I also called the tenant who stated he never received any receipts from Accent Real Estate for any of the mentioned services. Desired SettlementI want the balance of $288.44 to be used towards the wooden floor and the garage door. I also want absolute verification of the $400.00 paid to [redacted] for cleaning the house. Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted]Contact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted].comOn March 28, 2014, the tenants came to the office of Accent Real Estate requesting that we come to the property located at [redacted] to complete a Move Out Inspection. Walk - Through of the property in its entirety, the property was in unsatisfactory condition and the tenants failed their Move Out. Tenants had planned on leaving in a few hours. We provided the tenant a 'Rough Idea' document that explained the cost involved. Tenant asked Accent Real Estate to provide an independent contractor to complete the necessary repairs and deduct the charges from their security deposit. The tenant agreed in writing. April 1, 2014: Water had been re-connected and the home was schedule to have all remaining trash removed and a thoroughly cleaned. April 03, 2014: All carpeting had been scheduled for a deep steam cleaning and a pet enzyme. April 06 ,2014: The property was shown to prospective new tenants and it was reported that the home still l has strong animal odor.April 09, 2014: Accent Real Estate contacted the carpeting cleaning company to asking that they return to the property to re-clean the carpet using additional pet enzyme. April 14, 2014: Homeowner, Mr. [redacted], called the office of Accent Real Estate and said he was in town and went to the property over the weekend. Mr. [redacted] stated that the home "Looks Great" however he also shared his concern about the animal smell in the home. We advised that we would contact the company that complete the cleaning on the carpets to return to the property to check it out. Mr. [redacted], then advised Accent Real Estate that that he wasn't comfortable with us showing the house at this time; he feels the carpet issue needs to be resolved before we attempt to rent this property out. April 14, 2014: We spoke with [redacted] from [redacted] sharing concern of animal smell being very strong in master bedroom. He stated he would go to the property tomorrow, pull up an area to see if it has gone through the carpet into the pad and advise. April 15, 2014: Mr. [redacted] called stating there was an area on the hard wood floor that he thinks might need to be repaired. He stated when he ran his hand across the floor he thought it might not be level. We told the Mr. [redacted] that we would ask the carpet cleaning company assess the hardwood floor and advise; he was scheduled to be there today. April 15, 2014: We spoke to [redacted] from [redacted] to advise of the concern from owner about hardwood floor. He stated he will check into it. April 16, 2014: [redacted] from [redacted] called Accent Real Estate from the home at [redacted] In accordance with [redacted], he pulled the corners of the carpet to check for animal dander/urine and stated that he would make a third attempt to clean and deodorize the carpet in the master bedroom. He expressed his concerns and advised that the pet dander/urine it may not come completely out of the carpet unless pulled up and concrete treated under the carpet for pet dander/urine. After completing that process, it maybe "okay", but no promises. He suggested that if the owner would rather just replace it he will still need to treat the concrete slab under the carpet or the new carpet will absorb the smell. Regarding the hardwood floor area that the owner had asked about possibly needing repairs, [redacted] with [redacted] stated he thought that the area could be quickly and easily repaired by sanding the area down and refinishing that small area. April 16, 2014: We called the homeowner Mr. [redacted] to advise of what [redacted] stated; the homeowner said he thinks he might have the carpet replaced. Homeowner stated that the carpet was brand new when the tenant moved in!! Homeowner stated that he would provide us with receipts of the carpet that was installed In the master bedroom prior to the tenant moving in. Mr. [redacted] also mentioned that the garage door wasn't working and needed to be "Looked at/Repaired as well". We told him we could have over [redacted] take a look at it, if that is what he wants us to do. Mr. [redacted] states that there is no need to do anything else to the home until the issue is resolved with the carpet especially if there isn't enough money left in the security deposit. April 17, 2014: We spoke with previous tenant about the carpet damage in the home; We advised the previous tenant that the homeowner has stated that the carpeting in the master bedroom was BRAND NEW when they, the Tenant, moved into the property and it has been deemed unrepairable. Previous tenant agreed to allow us to use the Allotment received of $899.00 to apply to the replacement carpet for the master bedroom. We told tenant we would send an email to confirm conversation; we explained that we need him to reply to email to acknowledge that he agrees to use the $899.00 in additional monies received to go towards damages i.e. repairs/replace carpet if needed. April 18, 2014: Mr. [redacted] came to the office this morning with a Customer Report from [redacted] in hand. Receipt dated October 27, 2007 for the install of carpet. We asked Mr. [redacted] about the dates on the report as it was understood that the carpet was brand new when the tenant moved in. We have asked the tenant to compensate the owner for the damage to the brand new carpet, however in reviewing receipts we found that the carpet was 7 years old. Mr.[redacted] explained that the same carpeting was no longer available and it was a special order at [redacted] He said he would be selecting a similar carpet instead, however, the cost was estimated to be roughly the same. Mr. [redacted] provided me with an estimate dated 04/18/2014 for a similar carpet he had picked out. The estimate was $985.50 for carpet and pad and explained that it might be a bit higher or less and he would not have the final actual cost until after [redacted] completed their measurements. Mr. [redacted] asked that to see the photographs of the Move Out Inspection, taken on March 28, 2014. After reviewing the photographs in the office, Mr. [redacted] stated that he had been to the property in late November and the property was immaculate! We shared with Mr. [redacted] the photographs of the property upon move out. Mr. [redacted] then ask that we provide him with all of the final accounting information pertaining to this tenant, receipts, photographs, etc.. We advised Mr. [redacted] that as soon as we had all of the documentation we would be happy to share them with him. April 18, 2014: In the afternoon, we received the confirmation email from previous tenant informing us to use the allotment of $899.00 to have the carpet replaced or repaired in the home. April 21, 2014: Mr [redacted] came to the office this morning wanting a check to replace the carpet. After speaking with Ms. [redacted], explaining to her the actual cost will be a little less than the estimate, and that he needs the money to order the carpet and can provide her with the receipt of payment within a few hours. Ms. [redacted] provides Mr. [redacted] a check in the amount of $899.00 to pay for the carpeting and to get it ordered. April 28, 2014: Mr. [redacted] came to the office in the morning. We ask Mr.[redacted] if the carpet has been installed and if he is bringing the receipt for the carpet purchase. Mr. [redacted] stated that NO he didn't have the receipt with him that it was in his vehicle. He then immediately asked that we cut him a check for the remaining money in the tenants account. In questioning Mr. [redacted] about the carpeting he stated that he feels that Accent Real Estate has not been handling the repairs to his home in a timely fashion. After reminding Mr. [redacted] that he had stated that the property could not be shown, re-rented or any additional work could be done until the carpet issue was resolved then then began to request a copy of the tenants accounting sheet for Mr. [redacted] that we needed all receipt, to include a receipt from him for the carpet, to input into the system prior to being able to give him an accurate accounting statement. We can provide documents to show that Accent Real Estate has provide Mr. [redacted] with documentation requested, photographs requested, copies of account statements, copies of receipts etc. On Friday May 09, 2014: Although We repeatedly provided Mr. [redacted] with requested documents to include the final accounting sheet, he stated they were illegible to include the final accounting sheet (which by law is to be provide to tenant not owner). Mr. [redacted] then requested that Accent Real Estate FAX to him all documentation again (we have confirmation). We feel that we have provided Mr. [redacted] numerous times with all documents that he requested and received final approval from the tenant to release remaining security deposit to Mr. [redacted]. We have verification of emails, faxes and we have even handed him all documents upon his request on numerous occasions.Consumer Response The issue with the carpet has been resolved. My dispute is regarding the $400 used to clean the house. The invoice I was provided with from Accent Real Estate for the house cleaning by [redacted] was fabricated. The company does not exist and Accent Real Estate has failed to provide absolute verification of the company. Accent Real Estate gave me an invoice form [redacted] for $400. Ms. [redacted] said it took [redacted] three days to clean the house. I called the number on the invoice and spoke with Mr. [redacted] he informed me that he is the owner of [redacted] I asked him if he cleaned my house and how long it took to complete the cleaning. He said it took two days. I also asked Mr. [redacted] for the address of his business [redacted] and his business license number. He became very disrespectful and said he wouldn't provide me with the address of his business and his business license number. Based on the inconsistences of Ms. [redacted] and Mr. [redacted] timeline on how the house cleaning was conducted. I became suspicious that Accent Real Estate fabricated the invoice. The pictures they provided do not confirm that the house was in a condition that required two or three days and $400 dollars to clean. I want absolute verification of the company [redacted] and the $400 fraudulently used for cleaning the house returned to the security deposit account. Final Business Response This letter is written in response to the rebuttal consumer complaint received by the Revdex.com from Mr. [redacted] against Accent Real Estate LLC. Mr. [redacted] is making false allegations in regards to Accent Real Estate LLC when he stated in his complaint the following: "The invoice provided from Accent Real Estate for the house cleaning by [redacted] was fabricated. The company does not exist and Accent Real Estate had failed to provide absolute verification of the company." This allegation is completely false in that the events that were alleged did not occur. Accent Real Estate LLC is not required by law to provide "absolute verification" of any company that the former tenant employs to complete a task required by him in order to him to fulfill his lease requirements and responsibilities. There are not North Carolina statutes or courts decisions that require a tenant to use a company that is licensed and/or insured. In fact, the tenant may clean the house themselves and prepare for a move out inspection to be conducted. However, [redacted] did provide to the former tenant, their customer, and Accent Real Estate LLC sufficient supporting evidence that the home located at [redacted] NC XXXXX was in fact exceptionally filthy (in general) requiring extraordinary cleaning. The photos provided by [redacted] prior to the conduct of cleaning were in fact NOT "damages due to ordinary wear and tear", but "other damages". The consumer information pamphlets on the Tenant Security Deposit Act provide a list of common examples of "other damage". There are no North Carolina statutes or court decisions defining "ordinary wear and tear", because such determination must necessarily be made on a case-by-case basis. Upon the former tenant's move out inspection conducted, Friday, March 28, 2014, it was found that the tenant had caused "other damages" NOT "damages due to ordinary wear and tear". This home was found to be exceptionally filthy and the tenant agreed in writing to have the found discrepancies to be completed and the cost be deducted from their security deposit. All noted discrepancies were noted and scheduled for completion during the first week of April. The homeowner has no jurisdiction over what the tenant authorizes to be taken from his own security deposit. The tenant has an agreement to return the house in the same or similar condition excluding normal wear and tear. The tenant left the home in a manner of damages by not following the Move Out cleaning checklist that that signed with their lease at the beginning of their tenancy. Mr. [redacted] has provided insufficient supporting evidence to the claim of Accent Real Estate fraudulently creating an invoice. These claims are determine to be an unsubstantiated and unfounded accusation.

Non return of $1500. security deposit.We rented to home on [redacted], NC March 3 2013. We were informed March 2015 that the home was been put up for sale so we gave our 30 day notice on April 9th,2015. We moved May 4th, 2015 and had a final inspection on the 8th of May 2015 and turned in the keys. We got a letter on 18th of May letting us know that they were going over the inspection notes. On May 29, 2015 I sent them an email wanting to know the status, got no response, a week later I sent another email requesting our refund, still no response, so I sent a third email was sent out and I stated that if I did not hear from them I would have choice but to take them to small claims and turn them in to the Revdex.com. Still no response. Today I called and spoke to [redacted] and she informed me that I would not be getting my refund back due to the house being trashed. I let them know I had pictures that shows otherwise. I have pictures of before we moved in and when we moved out. Accent realty is not a company I would recommend. Their booking is not accurate we would pay our rent and then a week later we would get a default notice. I would call and tell them I paid this and then I would get an email. telling me they made a mistake. This happen about 6 or 7 times in the 2 years that we lived there. They do not make repairs in a timely fashion. It took them 5 months to fix one of the toilets. Bottom line I want my deposit back less the $258.06 that I instructed them to take out for the 8 days of May rent.$1241.94 is amount owed to us in the refund...Desired SettlementThe only resolution is to get our refund back