How to sue for security deposit?

Question

I rented an apartment in Florida and vacated it almost 50 days ago. The landlord stated that I would receive the deposit after 15 days, after an inspection. I left everything cleaner than it was when I moved in and took pictures as proof. Nothing is damaged so I anticipated the complete refund. She still has not contacted me and when I tried to reach her she sends an auto reply stating she will not be in her office for two months. How do I take legal action to attain the deposit?

Answer 1

The law in most states is 30 days, so file against her in small claims court.

Answer 2

This is serious business for a landlord. The law allows the landlord to be assessed triple damages for not returning security deposits. File in small claims court of the county the house is in.  Also write to Judge Judy so she can roast your landlord on tv. /

Answer 3

Many areas have a housing authority that will take your complaint and follow up on it.  In many places there are laws requiring double or triple amounts if the deposit isn't returned in a timely manner and proof isn't shown of why it's being kept.

Answer 4

Did you recieve a move out letter from your landlord, if not then take her to small claims court, your sure to win

Answer 5

File a small claims case against her.  As the other person said, most states require that she sends you an accounting of the security deposit within 30 days(21 in CA).  Even if the accounting says she used everything for cleaning and repairs, she still has to send it.

Check your state's laws.  Some states allow you to sue for double damages if she does not send this out on time.

I'm a Landlord, and I hate hearing tenants say they left the place in better condition than when they moved in(It's NEVER true.  I've had people trash my hardwood floors, and claim that). But, I also hate seeing lazy landlords, that I have to compete with, not follow the rules that they expect the tenants to follow.