I recently moved out of an apartment. The landlord has failed to give me a list of the actual costs mentioned here in state law which should make them liable for triple the deposit in damages. I see that as a separate actionable issue though, including here in case context is important.
The landlord is claiming damages in excess of my security deposit, some of which I contest. However, the lease has a provision making me liable for legal costs if they sue me and win. Can I protect my downside by paying the damages and then suing them for the return of that money, rather than daring them to sue me? Or does paying the damages imply that I accept them and torpedo my case for recovery?