[thereseherlihy]

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).

[ScottGem]

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.