Obtaining clear documentation of security deposit deductions after moving out can be surprisingly difficult. A recent case at Kenton Place Apartments, managed by Morgan Properties, highlights the challenges families face when trying to access photos, invoices, and material specifications needed to verify charges.
North Carolina, Aug 22, 2025 (Freedom Person)
Getting a security deposit back is about trust. State law requires property management companies to document every deduction: photos of damages, invoices for repairs, material specifications. Sounds simple. But what happens when a company withholds thousands of dollars—and the evidence stays out of sight?
In June 2025, a family with four children moved out of Kenton Place Apartments, managed by Morgan Properties. Instead of a refund, they got a shock: $2,100 in deductions, including $950 for “countertop repair.”
The company sent a Move In/Out report (#973761, dated June 23, 2025). But the photos were so small and blurry that confirming actual damages was impossible. And the promised invoices and material specs? Still missing.
The Wall of Silence
On August 19, the family submitted a formal request: provide documentation, explain the charges. The response? The same blurry photos. No invoices. No proof. State law requires transparency; yet in this case, key documents remain withheld without explanation.
After the story gained attention, Freedom Person sent an official inquiry to Morgan Properties. The reply came directly from property manager Keith Varney, indicating that in practice, he is the point of contact for this matter. In other words, one person controls the flow of information.
Who Is Keith Varney, Property Manager at Kenton Place Apartments?
All responses from Morgan Properties regarding security deposit deductions now come exclusively through Keith Varney, Property Manager at Kenton Place Apartments, who handled all communications with the tenants. He oversees operations at Kenton Place Apartments in Cornelius, near Charlotte, North Carolina. Public sources indicate that Keith Varney holds the ARM® designation and emphasizes in his professional profile the ability to “maximize community profits” and “create a positive and lasting experience” for residents.
Yet when it comes to justifying deductions of more than $2,000 from the security deposit, the key documents remain unavailable. This raises the question: are these issues rooted in Morgan Properties’ company policy—or in the decisions of a single manager, Keith Varney, controlling the flow of information?
Earlier, Freedom Person published a brief report focused specifically on the “extra days” charge. Read the full investigation here: When a Morgan Properties Manager Keith Varney Decides the Law Is Optional.
Following that publication, Keith Varney, Property Manager at Kenton Place Apartments, contacted the editorial team. He stated that Morgan Properties complies with North Carolina security deposit law and clarified that any questions about deposit deductions should be discussed directly with the former tenant.
Subsequently, Mr. Varney informed the tenant that, after review, Morgan Properties would issue a refund for the additional rent days. However, questions regarding the other deductions from the security deposit remain unresolved.
An Open Letter: A Test for Transparency
Today, Freedom Person publishes an open letter to Keith Varney (Morgan Properties). Our challenge is simple:
• Provide clear, high-quality photos
• Share invoices and material specifications
• Explain the basis for these deductions
We’ll document every step publicly. This is more than one family’s struggle—it’s a test for corporate accountability.
This is not an isolated case. If you’ve faced unclear or unjust security deposit deductions, contact us.
Transparency isn’t optional. Morgan Properties must decide whether to follow the law—or face public accountability.
Update (08/22/2025): Prompt Response from Property Manager
Just a few hours after the publication of this article, Keith Varney, Property Manager at Kenton Place Apartments, provided photographs and invoices for the kitchen countertop and stove work. Remaining open are answers regarding the type and size of the countertop, as well as documentation for other deductions, including utilities, cleaning, and blinds.
Update (08/29/2025): Reminder Sent to Morgan Properties Regarding Document Obligations
As of this date, the remaining documentation requested from Morgan Properties has not been provided in full. Consequently, a reminder has been sent to the company emphasizing their legal obligation under North Carolina law (NC Gen Stat § 42-50) to supply all supporting documents for security deposit deductions.
To be continued…
Next in the series: how Kenton Place management replaced a kitchen stove with an old used one, then billed the tenant $185 for restoring its glass surface; how nearly $1,000 was charged for cleaning and sanding a countertop; and how natural wear-and-tear on blinds became yet another revenue source.
For those who have experienced similar issues with security deposit deductions or unclear move-out charges from Morgan Properties, Freedom Person, in partnership with ProfitDwelling.com, is collecting reports from affected tenants. Sharing your experience can help bring transparency and accountability. More information can be found here: Freedom Person – Reporting Unjustified Charges by Morgan Properties.
By Victor Green for Freedom Person
