Ifrenting a cabin for the weekend what damages are we liable for?
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Ifrenting a cabin for the weekend what damages are we liable for?
We rented a cabin a few weekends back and they claim we did damage to it. They took our security deposit and charged an additional $300 to my credit card without informing me. There was nothing I signed that said they could do this and we still have not seen any of the pictures of the damage. What are our options?
Asked on September 13, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You need to carefully read your lease/rental agreement concerning the cabin that you rented several weeks ago in that its terms and conditions control the obligations owed you by the owner and vice versa in the absence of conflicting state law.
In most instances before one's security deposit can be debited by the owner of the unit rented, there must be notice given with receipts showing the reason for the charge. Likewise, the unauthorized charge on your credit card of $300.00 was clearly improper.
You should immediately contact your credit card company and dispute the $300.00 charge placing a hold on the payment.
You should also call the owner of the cabin regarding the basis for the charges on your security deposit. If you dispute the charges, follow up with a letter demanding payment by a certain date.
If not paid by the requested date, a small claims action may be your option.
Good luck.
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