<prompt> Human: So I just recently moved to a new apartment when my lease was up at my last complex. Ive lived in several others and when we left the place was far from immaculate, and having two cats has left each apartment with pretty destroyed carpets. This last place certainly had some wear and tear, but no where near the extent of previous places, and they never charged anything close to this! Usually the deposit would cover everything needed once moved out. Is there anything I can do? I am newly living on my own and have just enough to cover rent, utilities and necessities, but not much else. There really is no room in my budget to pay for this, or pay it off in a reasonable amount of time. If I dont pay it, what exactly would happen other than regular and probably nasty phone calls? Please help.Assistant: The billHuman: First step is to reason with them to knock the total down. Then get a payment plan set up and follow it. They can sue you. Its really easy, and most jurisdictions have a special court for tenant landlord issues. Filing only costs like 60 here. So dont count it out. Assistant: Is it usually easy to negotiate low, low payments? I really cant afford more than probably 30 a month, and then should be able to pay off the rest once income taxes come in. All of my bills just got renewed for contracts, so I cant really cut anything out in terms of basic utilities. I rarely go out, and typically just drive to work and the grocery store and not much else.  <response>: Not to be a total ass, but Im going to be a total ass... What did you think was going to happen when the damage was piling up?You cant really argue that the damage is your responsibility. A suit would be open and shut, and not in your favor. No one but your former landlord can reduce the amount you owe or tell you what kind of plan hed take. So step up and contact them to get this handled. Theyre under no obligation to accommodate a payment plan, but even if they sue, a judgment doesnt guarantee they get their money either... 