How can I get my security deposit back from an irresponsible landlord?
The laws will vary from state to state, but generally speaking a landlord has 14 days to give you back your security deposit. If they have withheld any funds, they have to give you an itemized list of what that money was used for. In some places, the landlord has to pay interest on the money they have held for you. Send him a letter by registered mail. Make it very professional — this is not the time for name-calling. Summarize all of the facts in the letter (when you moved out, how much the deposit was, the conversation during which he said you’d get it back, etc). Close the letter with a deadline by which you expect payment in full. If he doesn’t pay in full by the deadline, file a suit in Small Claims Court. It will probably cost you $50 or so, but it will be worth it. If he gets a judgement against him, you will be saving future tenants from the same headache. Don’t you wish the last tenant would have taken him to court? Don’t be worried about going to Small Claims Court. Collect
