Any lawyers in the Vault?

[Soreali]

So my girlfriend moved out of her old house at the end of her lease in march. We made sure the house was spotless and any damages made were fixed(there was minimal damage aka nail holes). The landlord came by and met with her and her mother before she left to look over the place and verified that the place was fine and that there was no damage. Since she left, she never got her security deposit back. She sent him a certified letter to again give him her new address to send her the deposit. Today she received a letter back stating she was being sued in small claims court for $800 in damages. She has pictures of the house before she moved in and when she moved out showing no damage. The total security was 3200 dollars. So I'm beside myself trying to figure out how in the hell he thinks she caused 4000 dollars in damages.. Whats her next move? I'm guessing a counter-suit for failure to return her security deposit. Seeing if anyone else has any experience with this.

The house was located in NY.. Not the city..

Thanks in advance.

[Zamtuk]

They would have to let her know what it is exactly she is being sued for. If it is damages, then they have to tell her what kind. If she has the pics like you say (which is a sweet idea, I wish I was that smart when I rented!) then it should be pretty easy. If the judge doesn't award the deposit back after the presumable loss on the prosecution, then yes, you can counter sue.