HOUSE HAD CAT DAMAGE PRIOR TO MOVE IN

MY FAMILY AND I MOVED INTO HOUSE THAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY LEASED FOR 8 YEARS. THE PREVIOUS TENANT HAD CATS THAT HAD URINATED ON THE CARPETS SO BAD THAT THE CARPET HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE FLOOR SHILAKED?. THERE WAS STILL AN ODOR THAT CAME FROM THE DOWNSTAIRS BEDROOM. WE FULLFILLED OUR LEASE BUT DUE TO OUR ROOMMATE MOVING OUT WE COULD NO LONGER STAY. WE MOVED OUT AND WHEN WE GOT THE MOVE OUT LIST IT SAID THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF US HAVING A PET DUE TO A UV TEST THEY RAN DUE TO THE SMELL THAT STILL LINGERS. NOW THEY ARE CHARGING US OVER $1,600 FOR A NEW CARPET AND TAKING OUR SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR BREAKING OUR LEASE AGREEMENT. WE HAVE NOT HAD PETS AND ALL WE CAN DO TO PROVE IT IS FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. WHAT DO WE DO?

Did you have a move in inspection that shows the condition of the place when you took occupancy? Did you take photos? Did you report the smell to the LL in writing as soon as you moved in? You need some proof that the damage existed prior to your occupancy.

If you don't, you can sue the LL and make him prove that these damages were caused by you in court. IF he doesn't have a pre move in inspection or a move out inspection for the last tenant, how is he going to prove that you caused these items?

Additionally, you said you fulfilled your lease agreement but are being charges for breaking your lease? Which is it? Was your lease over? Did you give the proper written notice to vacate? What is the reasoning behind this?