IMS vs. IMS

When I checked-out of my apartment last week, they said I would be charged for some damages in the common areas of the apartment. The lady that did my final walk through said I could appeal.

This first email is my appeal. Ironically, I had to send it to a lady I’ve had problems with from day 1.

Mrs. M[x]-

My name is Ian Sheddan and I’m a resident at The Village. I checked out of my apartment, [x]-C, last Friday afternoon, May 8th. During my final walkthrough, there was found to be damage to one of the wall cable jacks in the living room. There were also a few other minor things found in the living room and kitchen.

From the walkthrough I was told I would be charged $15, the cost to fix the damaged cable jack divided by 4, if no one confessed to damaging it. I was also told there might be additional fees for other things found to be damaged or missing.

This email is to appeal any charges that have been, or might still be, assessed to my account.

I spent the last two semesters, my first year at GCSU, either in my room or on Main Campus.  I never once sat in the living room, moved any of the furniture in it, or turned on any of the lights. Aside from putting my cans of soda and bottles of water in the top right corner of the fridge, I never used any of the appliances or even the sink. In the laundry closet, the washer had always had a loose lid for me because I never realized it was loose until the lady told me it was during the walkthrough.

This was the first time I had lived in university housing anywhere. I was unfamiliar with the check-in procedures and probably could have done a better job finding, and documenting, any damages the apartment had upon my moving in. When I move into my new apartment in the Fall at The Village I now know exactly what to look for and how to document it.

I can tell you without a shadow-of-a-doubt that none of the things marked on my check-out paperwork were the result of my doing. Thank you for your time and understanding in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ian Sheddan

A few minute ago, she responded with the following email.

Ian,

After reviewing your appeal and checking your roommates room condition reports, the charge to repair the cable outlet in the living room will remain on your account. The total charge is $60.00 and it has been split amongst you and your roommates. In the future, when you complete a room condition report, please check all shared spaces when you move-in so that you can account for the damage that has been there since you arrived.

We look forward to seeing you in the fall.

All the Best,

J[x] M[x]

I responded with the following email. I’m doubtful she’ll say anything back, which is a-okay with me.

I will definitely make sure I check everything from top to bottom upon checking-in.

I will also ask that any spoken comments from the person that conducts the final walkthrough with me be written down. The words she used, which I have witnesses to, to describe the condition of my room were “your room is immaculate.” She went on to say, “that is why I believe you had nothing to do with any of the other damages.”

Regardless, I will pay the completely erroneous $15 worth of damages that I had nothing to do with. If it’s the price I have to pay because my rule (and law) breaking, incompetent ”roommates” aren’t men enough to own up to the damages they created, so be it.

Ian Sheddan

Needless to say, I couldn’t feel better about what I replied with. The year is over and I’m moving on.