California West, Inc. Real Estate Management

Helped me get into a place when all other property companies never called me back

Review: Cal West kept the majority of our apartment rental security deposit and refused repeated requests for documentation showing that any of the deductions were a consequence of something other than normal wear and tear after a one-year tenancy. They forwarded invoices for renovations to the apartment, including work in the kitchen and bathroom upgrades -- included cleaning, hauling, and painting performed after the renovations, but nothing demonstrating that any of that work was necessary because of our tenancy. They did note that there was a piece of tape on a wall (masking tape to hang posters) and they then charged us $400 for painting. We pointed out that a piece of tape on a wall does not dictate the need for eight hours of painting. We asked them to distinguish between the work performed to renovate the apartment and that, if any, which was necessary because of more than "normal" wear and tear. We asked them repeatedly to make this distinction and they refused and have not responded to our formal request made months ago. The apartment was clean and in good condition when we moved out. There was no damage to the sheetrock nor to the paint. Just to reemphasize, we were billed for cleaning, carpet cleaning, and new painting that was conducted after major renovations (per CW invoices) were performed to the apartment. That kind of work is oftentimes pretty messy and if the owner/property manager choose to paint the apartment between tenants, that's not the responsibility of the former tenant.Desired Settlement: Refund $939.00 of inappropriate charges.