[dcrenter]

Hi, I recently moved out of a coop apartment in DC after 3 months (well, technically 4, I paid rent on the 4th month even though I didn't live there). The neighborhood just was not very safe--the front security door was broken at least twice when someone tried to break in. My lease (yes, I still have a copy) does not stipulate dates for a year lease, and I did give 30-days notice for move-out, but it is now after 45 days and I haven't received my security deposit back or any notification of why it isn't returned. I'm certain the apartment was left in excellent condition because I hired someone to do the moveout cleaning and patched any nail holes (including the ones that were there when I moved in). Does anyone have any experience with this? Is that legal to not return the deposit? I know the owner has re-rented the apartment already, so it's not vacant, for what that's worth. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[ScottGem]

If your lease did not specify an expiration date then you were a periodic tenant. At the top of this forum are links to state laws pertianing to landlord/tenant relations. See if there is a link to DC and check the rules on return of the security. If they are past the date specified by law, then sue them for the amount.

[jillianleab]

Have you called your former landlord? Before you get into the business of courts and suing people, give them a call and see what the hold up is. Once you've done that and you still don't see the money back, proceed to court.