Landlord kept demanding $200 as a notice, just to pay back the $600 bond.

I rented a room in cash without a lease from a slumlord. The landlord told me that they expect 1 weeks' notice and rent when leaving. The unfurnished room was $200 per week and they got a $600 bond. I simply set up a yoga mat on the floor. I was short on cash so left the room as I got it without any stains or dents.

I told them that I'm really sorry and feel free to keep the bond as a substitute for the notice period. They said, "no, I have to give $200 as notice and that bond is separate from that despite the room being in perfect condition".

I honestly didn't have the cash on me so I left them on silent. They kept hounding me for 2 weeks, sending me text messages and missed calls for the $200 rent. I finally got the paycheck at my new job and paid them the $200 after they sent another missed call. Immediately after, they transferred the $600 bond in full.

I gave them the benefit of the doubt that maybe they were having a shortfall of cash (and I didn't want to change my number) but considering they transferred $600 just after, I feel like they were just on a power trip without considering that other people may be having financial issues.