Vintage Home Furniture

Is my old property manager unjustly charging me $51 from my security deposit to remove old furniture(not mine)

I went off to college 2 years ago and moved into an apartment near campus. When I moved in there was some old furniture left there by the old occupant. These include an old kitchen table and chairs, a bureau, and cheap ikea drawers. So naturally, when I moved out, I left these items because these things were present when I moved in. I took and/or disposed of all furniture that I had brought personally. I cleaned my apartment and had the property manager check it out before I left, and they ok'd the job, ensuring I would be receiving my security deposit back. I have now received the check, sans $51 they have charged me to remove the old furniture that was there when I moved in. I am now over 300 miles away from my old place, so my only means of communication is telephone (I can't go there and raise hell in person). I have no proof the furniture was there when I moved in (pics), but I'm sure they must know theyre not mine.What do I do now? Is there any recourse for me? Thanks

Public Comments

1. For $51, let it go and learn an inexpensive lesson in renting. ALWAYS take pictures 'before and after'. It's entirely possible that the landlord didn't know the previous tenant left the furniture, and assumed it was yours to be disposed of. A small claims action to recover your monies will cost more than $51, plus you would have to appear in their local court to state your case.
2. You could take them to court and get your money back, however I think the time spent & aggrivation + missed work won't be worth $51 + court fees. Landlords suck, they get over on you whenever they can. Learn from this experience. Take pictures next time.
3. When you moved in, you took the furniture on as your own. Since it did not belong to the management, you should have removed it with the rest of your belongings. The charge is justified. It is a cheap lesson and not worth fighting. Take pictures; get specifics in writing; read everything thoroughly before signing; sign in black ink; and keep copies of everything you sign.