I'm pretty sure my landlord is trying to scam me?

If the landlord ultimately refuses to give you your deposit back, your only option is small claims court unfortunately. Document EVERYTHING! If you have pictures of the place when you moved in and when you left, be prepared to show them. If you have receipts for fees you already paid, keep them.

Some of the charges you outlined, such as rodent infestation and repairing the washer and dryer, are 100% the landlord's problem unless your lease states that you were responsible. I'm guessing a judge is going to land pretty heavy in your favor if you take this guy in.

Before you do that, you should definitely talk to the landlord if you haven't already. There's a chance (small chance perhaps) that they will suddenly be reasonable and drop everything. Failing that, threaten to take him to court. It might scare him enough to start acting properly. If that doesn't work, file the court papers. Make sure to sue for your deposit and court costs.

He'll have to sue you separately for payment of the so-called "damages" if he wants that money. Don't pay him a cent unless you are ordered to by a court.

Google your state's landlord tenant laws & read them. You will find out there what the steps are that you have to take before you file a lawsuit.

Normally, you send a letter disputing the charges and ask for copies of the reciepts. You can also use this letter to politely demand your full security deposit (especially if she did not postmark the envelope within the time frame required by your state's laws).

Then, if she doesn't respond, you file a lawsuit.

Ideally, you will have completed an inspection form when you moved in. On it you should have itemized every single blemish -- and have a signed copy from the landlord. Most states require your landlord to provide you with a check-in form, but do not require that it be completed.

Absent a correctly completed check-in inspection form, it's going to be his word against yours.

Many of the listed items can not be charged to you...ever... like infestations, replaceing the smoke detectors, electrical problems, snow removal, repairing the appliances, staining the deck.....

So yes - it sounds like your landlord is "scamming" you.

If you didn't do walk through inspection with the landlord just prior to vacating you'll have a hard time disputing the damages.

There does seem did bit a significant amount of routine wear and tear on the list. I wouldn't expect to pay for the deck staining anymore than carpet, for instance. Yes, it sounds like you may be destined for small claims court but, some of the expenses may be legitimate. So, is the savings/difference of your disputed expenses worth it?

I had a rental company try to do that to me, and I disputed everything I felt wasn't accurate. I caused enough of a fuss that they dropped the charges and have me my deposit, all without having to go to court. I wrote letters, called and emailed.

Gather up all your evidence and sue the landlord in small claims court. Hopefully you have dated photos/video of the property on the date you move in and the date you moved out.

Since you hired a cleaning crew, did you take any pictures after it was done ? Get the cleaning crew to attest the place was clean