View Full Version : Security Deposit return
freak9983
Dec 18, 2009, 09:43 PM
I just recently moved out of my rental home and my landord wanted to inspect the home alone but I insisted on being there so he did the inspection and said everything was fine and asked for an address to send the deposit to. The only damages there were was a few small tears in the basement carpet and dust on walls from furnace which we have pics showing that where its from and a week and a half later I gave him a call for mail and then tells me I'm not getting a refund cause of the 3 or 4 tears and dusty walls he's keeping 1050 deposit what can I do?
ScottGem
Dec 19, 2009, 06:01 AM
First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on someone else's. This can lead to confusion. You should start a new thread. So I've moved your question to its own thread.
Now to your question.
First, Where are you? Laws on security returns vary by location. Second, Did you get a checklist or anything in writing from the walkthru?
excon
Dec 19, 2009, 09:31 AM
Hello freak:
Scott is absolutely correct. Where you live DOES matter.
However, in GENERAL, it matters NOT what he said on the phone. What matters is whether you receive a letter from him outlining the damage, and includes the invoices (not estimates) the landlord paid to have them fixed. The letter must be received by you within a state mandated time frame. In some states, you must ASK for this letter. In others, the landlord must send it on his own. In some states, you can collect TRIPLE the amount of your deposit, no matter how much damage was done, if this time frame is exceeded.
So, don't sue him NOW (assuming his time limit has NOT expired), but wait till the law is on your side. You can find your state landlord/tenant law on a sticky note at the top of the real estate board.
excon