Of course the very day I sent out the letter to my LL, she sends me a bill for deductions against my deposit. Handwritten, no less. She maintains she has no computer, and no email account, but that's crap. She posts her rental ads on Craigslist, and you have to have an email account for that. (Trust me: she's so tight with a buck that she certainly didn't have someone post the ads for her!)

[First, she addressed the letter to me with a misspelled last name. I've been her tenant for 2 years.]

Dear [Scout], Re: Deposit refund, Cove Apts #4

Deposit: Apt. $400.00
Pets $100.00
$500.00

Deductions are: As notice was not given until Sept. 20, 2008, you are oblifated for rent through Oct. 20, 2008. I now have an application for the apartment so I will charge you rent only to Oct. 14, 2008.

1) Rent, Oct 1 - 14th $428.96
2)Extrordinary (sic) cleaning 50.00
3) Cleaning carpet, polish floors
and clean curtains (per rental
agreement) $50 will be refunded
on return of curtains 100.00
Total: $578.96

Deposit $500 - deductions $578.96 = $-78.96.

Currently you still owe $78.96. On return of curtains that would be reduced to $28.96. Please submit immediately.

Sincerely,

[your ridiculous ex-landlady], Owner, Cove Apts.

I took a deep breath or twelve, and called her number. There is a Deity, because I got her voicemail. I said, "I received your letter today. I had sent you a letter, but since the amount I owe is so small, I will pay that today. I will walk the check across the street to the mailbox tonight, and we can consider our relationship done. Thank you."

I never have to talk to this woman again. Hallelujah.