Can anyone help me with some rental issues?

Question

In March of 06 I moved into my 4 BdRm Apt and was required to pay a security deposit of $3000. 50% was required at the time I moved in and the remaining balance was spread out over a 6 month period at $250. In my lease agreement it states that after a year (March 07) of satisfactory payment history by resident payment history can be considered to then reduce the security deposit to $1500 - to credit back $1500 to the tenants account at the resident's request.When I rented this place it was owned by the State Housing Authority and was sold in September of 2006. During that time I began to have a leak in the roof and made multiple attempts to contact first the Housing Authority and then the new owner. Finally, this month a guy was sent out to survey the damage and I am now waiting for them to fix it. I called in and asked if I could get the $1500 credited to my account for March's payment and was told that I would only be entitled to that $ if I moved out. What can I do?

Answer 1

The specific language in your lease regarding the deposit rebate and reduction is important. If it just says "may be considered" then they're under no obligation to follow through with the reduction. If it specifically says you can get the reduction with a year of timely payments, then the first thing you might want to do is request a statement of your account showing payment dates to support your assertion of timeliness.

Suggesting that you move out in order to obtain the deposit rebate might be considered a retaliatory tactic by the landlord since you mention you've consulted the Housing Authority about the leaking roof.

Your best bet is to consult a consumer advocate or attorney. It will be important that the terms of the lease support your position that the rebate is due. You might also want to get the landlord's proposition of rebate in exchange for your move in writing as evidence they are employing questionable methods.

Answer 2

Mail them a copy of your lease agreement and request the balance. Make sure you send the letter certified and this way you will have knowledge that it was recieved. Tell them nicely that you expect payment within 15 day's or you will seek legal action.

The terms of the lease are with the new landlord.

Good Luck