First Class Property Management    |    Vickie Hinton, Paula Garcia    |    Fayetteville    ,    North Carolina 28303    Landlord Complaint 23-3559

I was charged $635 in damages to the unit. I had already identified these damages as existing upon move-in (property manager has only copy of move-in inspection). My move-out inspection was scheduled for October 15, and on November 15 I received a letter saying that due to the condition of the property, the settlement would be resolved within the next 30 days. I did not receive an interim accounting of damages as stipulated in the NC Tenant Security Deposit Act. I called Ms. Hinton on November 18 and asked what she meant by "condition of the property," and she said they were just waiting on payment from a vendor. On December 2, I went to the office because I hadn't heard back from her and left a message with her secretary for her to contact me. On December 4, still I hadn't heard back from her so I called again about the deposit. Ms. Hinton told me it should be out by the end of the week and to email her a copy of the utility bill because she hadn't received the fax I attempted. I was sending her the utility bill because there was usage at the address after I had moved out, but the account was still in my name and it needed to be paid so my credit wouldn't be negatively affected. On December 14, I received a letter saying there was $635 in damages to the unit and after the deduction of my security deposit, I still owed $35. On December 16, I went to the office and gave Ms. Hinton a letter disputing the damages because since she did not follow the stipulations of the NC Tenant Security Deposit Act, she voids her rights to withhold any portion of the deposit. On December 31, I still had not heard back from Ms. Hinton so I sent her another email but did not receive a response. On January 6, I called the office and left a message for the office manager to call me back. I have not heard from Ms. Hinton, the office manager (Paula Garcia), or any other person at First Class Property Management since I gave my dispute letter to Ms. Hinton. The work order I received that itemized the damages to the unit states that the estimate of damages was completed on November 20 and the work order was created December 13 which is well after 30 days. I am requesting punitive damages because I believe Ms. Hinton and the office of First Class Property Management have demonstrated willful negligence in conducting their duties and so they will be deterred from further violations of the NC Tenant Security Deposit Act.