Can a landlord add moneyto my new judgementand demand payment?
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Can a landlord add moneyto my new judgementand demand payment?
Recent eviction after 90 days with a judgement for $1666. Apartment was left immaculate and requested my $500 security deposit to come off my judgement. Instead got a bill that they added $908 to amount owed. Now exceeding over $2000 and demand payment. Is this legal?
Asked on September 16, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
This might be legal. You don't provide a lot of detail, but if you were evicted before the term of your lease is over, then you would still owe for all the remaining months. This could cause the amount you owe to increase. (Technically, the judgment itself does not increase--the judgment is what it is--but the landlord could bring another action for the additional monies owed accruing.) Also, it's possible that certain legal fees and costs, like lawyer fees, are beinig added to the judgment. Or, while it should have been annotated, perhaps the increase is for damage done to the apartment.
The above is not to say that it necessarily is correct or legal--just that there are circumstances under which you could possibly owe more than you thought. You should first request an explanation of the additional amount; then, if you are not satisfied by it and/or want to fight it, consult with an attorney.
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