Back in 2021, I moved out of a rental and gave my landlord written notice ahead of time, which she acknowledged. My lease officially ended July 31st, and by August 1st, I was fully moved into a new place in a different city and had already started working there. I even have time-stamped photos and messages to prove it.

Before moving out, I helped her line up new tenants to take over. They signed a lease with her and gave her a deposit. So I assumed I was good to go, and she even told me things were fine. But on August 1st, those new tenants backed out—and suddenly she came back at me saying I “broke the lease.”

Weeks later, she sent me a text message (not even a formal letter) saying she was keeping my $600 deposit for things like “cleaning labor” and “carpet machine/soap,” and then tried to tack on a $1200 lease termination fee. No receipts. No photos. No inspection form. Just a vague text. She also made comments like “your credit’s at risk” and threatened to charge me for August rent—none of which ever happened.

The thing is, I left the place in great condition. No damage, no trash, nothing left behind. It definitely didn’t need any deep cleaning. She just kept the money.

AITA for pursuing this years later? Or is it fair to stand up for myself now that I know the law? Some friends say “just let it go,” but it really bothers me how easily she tried to intimidate and take advantage of me when I was younger.