<p>Hi Parents, </p>
<p>I’m a recent graduate and still on my college apartment lease since I visit so often (and the rent is cheaper than getting a hotel!). We got a letter in the mail recently after putting in a work order dryer repair. Any landlord/property management advice would be much appreciated! Here’s the story regarding the property management company and broken dryer:</p>
<p>My apartment recently got moved from a realtor in the area to a property management company, Raines. We recently received notice in the mail that we are required to pay $75.00 for dryer repair that Raines feels was “our responsibility”. Note that our original lease for the 2013-14 year was NOT signed with Raines, and we never signed anything with them for this school year, so there is nothing that clarifies what is our responsibility and what is not.</p>
<p>The weekend of the Jan. 31st, roommate 1 heard noises against one of the walls in her room, which is a wall that separates her room and the washer/dryer closet. A few days later, on 2/1, roommate 2 tries to use the dryer and it is not working. On 2/4, the noises are more frequent and it becomes obvious that there is something inside the dryer. Further investigation shows holes in the back of the wall behind the dryer. There are photos and video evidence of the noises in the dryer and wall next to dryer. A work order is put in, specifically stating that there is something inside of the dryer and it is not working. On 2/5, a bird flies out of the dryer somehow into the hallway where the dryer is located. The dryer still does not work. On 2/6, Raines comes out to do the repair. Today, 2/12, we received an invoice of $75.00 for “removal of a metal rod” that Raines “feels is your responsibility”</p>
<p>The roommates plan on going to legal services, but from prior experience, it is hard to get an appointment with them within a week. We have until February 20th to file a dispute, since they have a 10 day deadline and the invoice was sent on February 10th. Does anyone have any tips on what to write or how to argue against these charges? Thanks in advance for the help!</p>