What a Valid Itemization Must Include
A proper itemized statement describes each deduction specifically: what was damaged, what repair or service was performed, who performed it, and the cost. It is not enough to write 'repairs' or 'cleaning' with a dollar amount.
Examples of Invalid Vague Itemizations
- 'General cleaning: $350' -- does not specify what was cleaned or why
- 'Repairs: $500' -- does not specify what was repaired
- 'Miscellaneous: $200' -- completely non-specific
- 'Damage: $150' -- does not describe the damage or location
- 'Labor: $300' -- no description of what work was done
Examples of Valid Specific Itemizations
- 'Professional carpet cleaning, bedroom 1 and living room: $175 (receipt attached)'
- 'Repair of large hole in bedroom wall, 12-inch diameter, drywall patch and paint: $250'
- 'Replace broken window blind, master bedroom: $45'
Demand Specifics
You have the right to know exactly what you are being charged for. Write to your landlord requesting a more specific breakdown of each vague line item and actual receipts. A failure to provide specifics strengthens your dispute.
How to Dispute a Vague Itemization
- 1Write a dispute letter identifying each vague line item by name
- 2State that each lacks sufficient specificity under your state's law
- 3Request actual receipts or invoices for each charge
- 4Give 14 days to provide specifics or return the withheld amount
- 5If no response, include this failure in your small claims filing