I rented a mobile home for 20+ years. In 2000, the property was sold to a new landlord who charged $350 security deposit. On 1/21/13, I gave him written notice that I was moving & would clean the property & turn in the keys on 2/28/13. He returned the signed letter on 1/24/13.

While removing boxes daily during the month (2/2013), a friend & I cleaned & dusted and vacuumed each room as it was emptied. I turned in the keys on 2/28/13 & on 4/9/13 I asked him when I could expect my deposit refunded & he told me I wouldn't be getting a deposit back because of damage to the property.

On 4/12/13, I sent him a certified letter with a copy of the landlord/tenant law, which was returned to me as refused. 2 days later, I received a letter (no return address) stating that I would not be getting my deposit back with a list of damages (which are normal wear & tear on a 40 year old mobile home). They also stated that I left trash on the property and would return to put it out for collection on 3/5/13, but I was told by LL that he would take care of it.

I sent a second certified letter asking for my deposit back and this was also returned refused delivery.

How do I go about suing the landlord for my deposit (double damage in PA plus interest on the deposit).

Here's the problem. I'm not sure if renting mobile homes comes under the PA landlord/tenant laws. But I would proceed under the assumption that it does. Since he didn't return your deposit or an itemized list of how it was used in 30 days, I think he forfeited the right to keep the deposit, even if there were damages.

How you proceed depends on what courts are available in your county. I would go to your local city hall or county seat (or their websites) and look for a housing court. If there is one, then go there and ask how to file a suit for return of deposit. If there is no court designated to deal with housing issues, then file with your small claims court.