|
Wolfe,
LWJ and Dantilla have both given you good starting information. I am in NJ but it sounds as though our Landlord Tenant laws are similar. I have been a tenant, am a Landlord and a Licensed Real estate Broker.
Personally before spending any money on a lawyer I would do a little leg work and locate your states Landlord tenant law. Write a letter to the landlord siting the parts of the law that apply to your case, especially the 3x damages. Give him 7days to comply or you will contact and attorney. This will also save you money with an attorney as you have already done the leg work.
Here in NJ a landlord has 30 days of receipt of your deposit to place your deposit in an interest bearing account and notify you of the institution and notify you of where your deposit is being held. You are also entitled to the interest form the account. Failure to due so results in additional damages.
Lastly, If a Landlord is going to keep all or part of your deposit they must send you a letter registered or hand delivered outlining each cost you are being charged. As LWJ stated they have 30 days to do so. Here in NJ if these cases are heard in Landlord/tenant not Small claims.
Good luck.
Last edited by drcoastline; 04-14-2011 at 04:41 AM..
|