after living in my half a house for 3 1/2 years, my landlord is asking for a security deposit. Is this legal?

Question

There is only an oral lease - never was any type of signed lease

Thanks for replying!

Answer 1

do you have a contract with him? then do not worry about it if it dies not say it on the contract.

if you have no contract, still don't worry about it as you have been there over three years. ask him why? if he never asked you for three years. listen to your reason and see what he says.

Answer 2

There are some factors here. Was there a lease signed? If there is nothing in the lease, then he can't do that. If he renews your lease, he can demand your deposit in which it is put into a bank account and you recieve the interest from the deposit. Now, if you don't have a lease, he can go to landlord tenant court and start eviction proceedings. You don't want to start a war where he shuts off power and throws your stuff out when you leave the house. That may be illegal, but that doesn't help you when your stuff is in the yard.

Answer 3

Usually states require an amount of time to notify you before changing the lease (around 30-60days). Since you have no signed lease, then he sure can charge you a security deposit after this notice period. You, as a tenant, also have the right during that period to tell him that you will be finding some place else to live. If you would like to make sure it doesn't happen again, get your landlord to write up a lease for you.

Answer 4

I don't think so, but check with your state...it's different in all states. If you have a copy of the lease agreement, and it doesn't state a security deposit, then you don't have to pay one. (if he's trying for more money, talk to the state you live in and tell them whats he's doing...states frown on shakedowns by landlords.)

Answer 5

Did you sign a lease? If so, if there's no mention of a deposit he/she can't demand one now.

Answer 6

seems a little late...but prob legal

Answer 7

Hell No !!!!!!!!