Q: Issues with lease breaches and deposit recovery from Saco rental.
I'm a travel nurse who recently moved into a rental found through Furnish Finder in Saco. The lease agreement I signed was to match my work contract. However, since moving in, I've faced multiple issues such as breaches in the lease, including moldy food, uncovered outlets, an inaccurate number of rooms, debris in fireplaces, faulty lighting, maintenance problems, and persistent WiFi issues. Although my landlord initially agreed to reduce rent due to these problems, she later retracted her promise. After living there for only two weeks and paying $3,600, I submitted my notice to leave and asked for my deposit back twice but received no response. I also suspect this landlord scams tenants regularly. I have videos and photos documenting these problems. How should I proceed to resolve this and recover my expenses?
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A:
What you're dealing with is deeply frustrating, especially after relocating for work and relying on the rental to be safe and functional. If the unit had serious issues like exposed outlets, moldy food, or misleading room counts, those can be considered material breaches of the lease. The fact that your landlord acknowledged the problems by agreeing to a rent reduction—then went back on that—only strengthens your case.
Since you already gave notice and documented everything with videos and photos, you're in a strong position. The next step is to send a formal written demand for the return of your deposit, citing the issues and breaches. Mention that you have evidence and that you've asked twice with no reply. Let the landlord know that if the deposit isn’t returned within a certain timeframe—say, 7 to 10 days—you will pursue legal action. Small claims court is often the most effective route in cases like this, especially when the amount in dispute is a few thousand dollars or less.
If you suspect this landlord has done this to others, you might also consider filing a complaint with the local housing authority or consumer protection office. Your documentation can help protect future renters too. You're not just asking for your money back—you're standing up for fair and lawful treatment. Keep everything organized, stay calm, and proceed with confidence.
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