How to Cover your ass renting, proper sing in & off

I have lived at one Camden property and have received similar notices from others who have lived at Camden. Upon move out even if you return the apartment in like, or even better condition they will charge you for all kinds of stuff, including the carpet replacement.

I last lived at a Camden property about 4 years ago. Before move out I got their paint info on all surfaces. I went through and fixed any blemish in the place. (even those that were there on my move in) I also had the floors professionally cleaned, deodorized and waxed (for the non-carpeted flooring). The place was looking way better than it did when I moved in. I returned that Apartment in rent ready condition.

I had the property manager do a final walk through with me and sign an affidavit I had my lawyer draw up that stated there were no issues, all refundable deposits would be returned and no fees would be charged.

Fast-forward about 2 months and I get in the mail a notice from a collections agency. Note this is the first time I am getting anything about any 'issue' with Camden. The charges came out to be nearly $1300. I was shocked; I called the office and they claim that the unit was return in a undesirable condition. They claimed the Carpet was filthy and dents and dings in the walls.

Thankfully I had pictures of the before and after (move in and Move out) and the paperwork. After engaging my lawyer, working 3 more months with the corporate office and threatening legal action they finally wiped out the collections. I am happy I utilized my companies Pre-Paid legal to fight it so I came out spending nothing.

I constantly sway people away from Camden, but sadly too many Apartments that are exactly alike. Always keep documentation on the condition of your rental and upon move out secure a backup move out condition affidavit.

tl;dr Camden will try anything to fuck you over upon move out. Even falsify information. Returning a rental in better or like condition still got me charged fees. Had to threaten legal action to clear it. Using a personal move out procedure to ensure CYA (cover your ass) is taken care of.

I had something similar happen at a property managed by Greystar. I think all these large apartments are managed by unethical companies.

They didn't send me my deposit within 30 days (illegal) and didn't send documentation indicating why not (illegal too). When I pressed them, they said they were keeping my money because my cat stained the carpet (not true). I said the carpet stain had been there since the day I moved in, they just never cleaned it like they promised they would. I provided them emails indicating this history. They still didn't mail me the check.

I finally sent an email to about 20 executives, managers and vice presidents of Greystar containing this long email history indicating my intent to move forward with legal action unless the check was made available for pickup at the apartment at 9 a.m. the next day.

Magically it appeared. Though they made me wait around half an hour while they "looked" for it.

I would highly recommend you have one drawn up by a lawyer for the property you are at and for you specifically. Just ask for lawyer to prepare a document that will be used to enforce your rights as a renter and the status of the property upon move out.

Also one big thing.....have a notary public with you on the final walk through and signing it.

Do not do any "Quick Move Outs." Schedule a time when you have the property emptied of your belongings to have the walk through.

If they refuse to sign the document you make them write down why and have the NP notate that on the document.

Best to also take pictures on move in, with time and date stamp encoded on picture, document any and all issues in the photo (e.g. Paint, carpet, cabinets,...etc.). Then upon move out take pictures in the same vantage points pointing out the same issue, if they still exist.

I dislike we have to do anything extra but Apartment complexes, either owners or management, are out to bilk you out of money. Protect your credit and your renters history.

Well it came from being fucked over twice before that. Since then I have all property management, owners or agents sign this upon move in and Move out. I am all about CYA, I am in IT after all.

I had a similar problem with an IMT apartment complex. They don't talk to us for a year then we get a call from collections for $120, threatening to ruin our credit score if it wasn't paid within the month. 

Shit like this is why I only live in small (>20 units) independently owned apartments.