Terry Hershberger Withholding Security Deposit and Adding False Charges for Additional Money Corona, California

Terry owns Dogwood Acres Family Campground at 10550 McClearly's Mill Rd. in Kimbolton, Ohio, (his home state.) We rented a single wide, furnished 1970's mobile home on a month to month basis from 8/12-12/12 while we were building our own home nearby. The mobile home, being, old, had it's faults, but we tried to live with them since it was a short duration of time. (We sold our prior home quickly, and needed a rental in the area asap, we are long time homeowners with a good reputation.) We rented the mobile home and agreed to pay for electric and propane. (The bills were outrageous for this small dwelling, but that's another story.)

When it came time to move, we gave 30 day notice. Our stay was extended for a few days due to inspections at our new home. We agreed to pay the final electric bill and any propane used that was beyond the read amount at the start of our lease. I had already ordered propane in the beginning of November and paid. On 12/20, the propane ran out. We spent over an hour on the phone with the propane company, and were blocked from ordering more. We had planned to move out the following day anyway.

I called Terry and left a message about the propane, since it was very cold, and that we would be moving out that day. He denies that this call was made. He also called our cell phones, my neighbor, my mother-in-law, and told them we owed him money. We did owe for an electric bill which I didn't receive a copy of until 12/21, the hand written note from his mother, who is his on-site manager, didn't suffice.

Now, Terry is trying to charge us beyond the security deposit funds. He has revised this and it's not almost twice the amount he stated last month. He's charging for cleaning, carpet cleaning, propane leak test, among other things. According to my calculations, he owes us over $400, and he's trying to get an additional $601 out of us, plus our security deposit of $695.00. Last month his "settlement statement" the amount was $362.

We left the place as clean as it was when we rented it. I cleaned the carpet the weekend prior, and have the receipt for it. According to Ohio law, he can not charge for "general cleaning" or carpet cleaning anyway. He has since accused us, in his most recent letter, of taking a few things, hand towels, glasses, and a crock pot. I have my own crock pot and plenty of my own household goods. I wish I had Googled his name before becoming his tenant. We would have saw the other rip off reports regarding his company, Safety Pro. We have correspondence both his home address and from the Safety Pro address. It looks like we'll have to take him to Small Claims court!