Landlord not paying back deposit check?

Question

I've moved out from old apt for a month now, before i left i notified my landlord a month in advance. Till now i haven't got my security deposit check yet. He promised to get me my deposit check at the first time i called. But i've never heard from him since then. I've been calling him many times, really many times, left voice messages but he never returned my calls at all. I'm so annoyed, he really pushed me far to the edge. What should i do to get my deposit check? i do not have the invoice with me, however, i might have misplaced it during the move. I've never seen a landlord such irresponsible. Pls help advice what i should do. Thanks.

Answer 1

First, call your local attorney general's office and ask if they have a Landlord/Tenant Guidelines pamphlet. If not, look up tenant laws at your local library. Next, send your landlord a written letter requesting your deposit back--send it certified with a return receipt from the post office so you have proof he got it. Word it as follows: I vacated the house at "your old address" on 11-1-06 (or whatever day you moved). As per the laws of our state, you were to refund my deposit within thirty days of the day I moved out (that is what most states require). If I do not receive this deposit within three business days of your receipt of this letter, I will take legal action. Please mail refund to me at the following address: Your new address.
Sincerely,
Your name.
Hope this helps.
In my state (Idaho) the landlord has 30 days to send the tenant a statement detailing what they did with your deposit. If they keep any for any reason, they must provide an itemization telling you what they used your money for. Otherwise, they must return the entire deposit to you.

Answer 2

In Ohio, the Landlord has to notify you within 30 days of your security deposit dispostion. If the Landlord does not, regardless of the condition of the place, you are entitled to twice your security deposit. I would send him a certified letter requesting your security deposit in addition to what your state allows. If you are entitled to more than youe security deposit, and he sends you only the deposit, you can sue him for the money plus costs.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Check with your local apartment association. In Texas, if you don't receive back your deposit or a disposition of how your deposit was used thirty days after your move out date, you are entitled to triple your deposit back.

Answer 4

send a certified letter with a deadline to receive the check (say 7 days postmarked, for example). If they ignore it, take them to small claims court. It is easy to do, go to the county courthouse and they can walk you through the steps. Total cost should be under 100 dollars, which you will get back if you win.

Answer 5

I have never known anyone to get security back...keep trying, but don't be surprised.
I have a signed paper from the apt inspector, even before I did a final cleaning...(getting the corners & refrige & oven) that said it looks fine, no problems...did I get mine back?? no..never...

Answer 6

Burn the place down. Will cost him more to file for insurance then the check is for. Or if you know where he lives go stake out his house. I had the same problem myself. Don't let him say he will send the money to you make him take you to the bank and get it right then. My ex-landlord went so far as to write me a check and in the time it took me to drive the 6 blocks to the bank he had already had it canceled.

Answer 7

I had this problem. Take them to small claims court and have them pay the fee for having to do so. It worked for me.

Answer 8

if there was problems with your apartment he doesn't have to return your deposit.