Hello. This year, I moved out of my apartment in May. I gave my required written 30 day notice including my new forwarding mailing address. When I moved out, I had decided to shampoo the carpets and I also out a fresh coat of paint on the walls. I was told I would receive my damage deposit in FULL in addition to all accrued interest. The new tenant moved into my old aptartment the very next day. I lived there for 5.5 years and my damage deposit was $400. I have requested my damage deposit. I have written a letter to the owner question my damage deposit or a written reason that is preventing its return. He still has not contacted me. He keeps telling my former land lady that he will bring it out when he has to pick up rent, or stop in to pick up new applications. I keep asking my former land lady if he had brought it out that particular time but every time he does not bring it. I have bothered my former land lady for months. I have downloaded forms from findlaw.com and have filled them out after doing my research on MN laws. HOW DO I GO ABOUT SENDING IN MY FORMS TO THE COURTHOUSE? Do I need a intro letter? A letter of request for my papers to be processed? Is there a fee? What do I do with the forms that I have downloaded and filled out? What's the next step?

It's been months of waiting... I know he's passed his limitations for returning it and he has exceeded the time after I have sent him a written request. What do I do next? :(

Thanks.

Jackie king

I would contact the Justice of the Peace in the county where the property is located. They can tell you exactly what to do and what is necessary. I guess I'm assuming you're referring to suing the property owner in small claims court, correct? That's what you need to do now, if that's not what you're talking about.

Are you planning to go back for the court hearing? If not, find out if you can designate a representative and what that process would entail. Typically, you'd need to be there to present your case and get a ruling or the case will just be dismissed.

There's a fee that you'll have to pay to file the case and receive a court date. If you win your case all of the court costs will be tacked on to the judgement. The counties I deal with accept credit cards, so ask them about that.

Hope that helps,
Karla in TX