After being charged a ridiculous amount for a paint job, what is my next move?
The property manager is correct: your recourse at this time is to sue the landlord for the security deposit. You can only be charged for painting the extent you (or your family, pets, guests) damaged the paint--such as by a child drawing on it in permanent marker, or scratching it up while moving furniture; or by painting it a different color without landlord approval to do so; etc. You are not liable for repainting due to simple wear and tear or age, or to freshen it up for the next tenant. And to the extent that you are liable for repainting, you are liable only for the reasonable cost of hiring someone one to paint, IF an outside contractor is hired to paint. (If the landlord or super, etc.Â  did the work, they could only charge you for the cost of the paint itself.)If you dispute either your obligation to pay or the amount you have to pay and can't work it out with the landlord or property manager, then you need to sue for the deposit's return. You can sue in small claims court, where you can act as your own attorney, to keep costs down. Good luck.