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getting back deposit
I have moved out and the owner of appartment invited an 'expert' she knows to do etat des lieux de sortie. This so called expert calculated nearly 1,500 EUR in damages. Before I moved out, I asked her if I can find any expert for etat des lieux because I did not want somebody she knows. She said no, she wants the same expert as did etat des lieux de entre. Now I know why, I think the expert was working in her favour. He calculated some ridiculous charges, for example, 400 EUR to clean a small stain on the sofa. The sofa is from IKEA, it costs less than 400 EUR so I do not believe cleaning it costs that much. For a missing chair from IKEA he calculated 160 EUR. I know prices in IKEA and the chair itself costs less than 100 EUR. I agree with some damages, but I do not agree with his estimation how much I have to pay her. I think we are heading for a long discussion and negotiation. In the end of etat des lieux he asked me to sign the paper with estimation of damages. I signed it, but I dont know what implications my signature has. He said if I do not agree, I can sign and later negotiate with the owner. Perhaps you can advise which organisations in Brussels offer mediation and advice service in disputes like this? I do not want to go to lawyer immediately, but I fear the owner just wants to rip me off and renovate the whole appartment at my expense. Thanks!
You could have got your own expert in to do the exit check as well. If you do that, you pay your expert, the landlord pays their expert.
However, give that you have signed it, that implies your agreement (you'll have a tough time arguing otherwise), so I think you have effectively been conned into agreeing to be conned.
You can check with http://www.pim.be
However, the English version is only coming soon.
Sorry but it sounds like you have been stung!
"He said if I do not agree, I can sign and later negotiate with the owner."
J put it very well. Your signature is your consent. But good luck. These people are crooks. Sorry to hear of your experience.
Hi,
Could you let me know what happened in your case, as I am in a similar situation. My landlord is threatening me that he would take me to court. Please reply.
