[quote author="MojoJD" date=1259063579]<strong>If you do end up moving out,</strong> dont forget to stick it to them with any noncompliance with rental law.
Fill out the form when you are close to leaving where it allows you to indicate that you want the pre-move out walk-through inspection. Its supposed to give you an opportunity to remedy any situation you might be charged for. If they dont come, or if they dont document everything, you cant know whats wrong (in theory), and so the law prevents them for charging you those things after you leave! ha ha!
We did that (above) and they never called or showed up for an inspection! We got only some of our deposit back a couple weeks later. A quick letter citing the civil code and 2 weeks later... 300 dollars back.
Granted, dont push it if you abuse the system. We left that place <em>spotless and scrubbed</em>. They just tried to stick us with that whole "we have to repaint for anyone who lives here more than 4 months" BS and an unnecessary "general cleaning" fee.
<strong>Regarding you attempt to negotiate,</strong> we had good luck in extending the terms of our ongoing contract (skipping the month to month rate, something they "never ever do") by walking in there. When I called, I talked with them, told them my situation (how i wasnt just moving to another apt, but had bought a house which was being constructed, etc), that I had been a perfect tenant, etc. I even walked down there to talk to them a few times. Show your face. Be a real person to them. They have a lot of power/sway and its easy to make it "all business" and be jerks when they dont really know you.
Now go! get down there and chat them up!</blockquote>
So now you tell me about that little legal secret. They got $200 of my $300 deposit. Anyhow, I guess looking back on it I really made no effort to show my face over there and I was already "checked out" and on the search for a room to rent.