[Rutiglius]

I put down an 800.00 security deposit on a duplex in Kansas and am scheduled to move in three days from now. I signed NO papers. When I went by to look at the duplex prior to moving in, I noticed that it had not been painted on the inside (except for two bathrooms). Some of the walls were really dirty -- especially in the kitchen area where it was clear a trashcan had been located. Anyway, the owner said he was not going to paint the walls. I don't want to move in such a dirty place. He won't paint, and now he tells me that he will NOT give my security deposity back either. I never had the keys to or took possession of the duplex. I never signed a lease -- we were going to meet the night before I moved in to sign papers. At that time I was going to pay the rent, sign the lease and take possession.

Am I entitled to a return of my security deposit? How do I get it?

Thanks,
Sue in Kansas

[ScottGem]

Probably not.You agreed to rent the place and paid the security deposit. By backing out just before movein you cost the landlord a month's rent. You might win in court on the grounds that the unit was not prepared as expected, but I doubt it.