I Gave a security deposit to a landlord without signing a lease now they wont refund it. what can I do???

Question

I live in south carolina where my bf and I were going to rent an apt. on august 21st we gave a $600 deposit and were given a reciept. We then broke up within a week after that and i returned to my future landlords house letting her know what happened and requested my security deposit back. she told me she couldnt refun it due to it already being taken out of the news paper. I just left the property and am seeking what I can do to get my money back. I DID NOT SIGN A LEASE OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT. All I was given was a reciept of the $600 dollars. I am thinking about going to small claims court but would it at all be beneficial?

Answer 1

They with held the property off the market in good faith.

Under some State laws you may be liable for more then just your $600.00, like rent till they re rent it.

Plus the cost of finding a new renter.

Better check your local laws before running to court.

Answer 2

tenant/lordland court file a motion  

Answer 3

I would think about suing if the receipt does not have the words non-refundable deposit, as for the advice above from the landlord, since you did not sign the lease; you have no rental contract, so they could not hold you liable for rent until they found another renter;no privity of contract no meeting of the minds  

Answer 4

Put on a pair of steel-toed boots, grab a Louisville Slugger, and walk up in there and..........Just kidding dont do that. I think they should return your money that freaking ad didn't cost nearly that much. Small claims court is worth it if u have the time.  

Answer 5

I would certainly do it. It may be a little bit of a hassle, but she doesn't need to be taking your money and she needs to learn the law if she is a landlord. Maybe this will teach her not to do it to anyone else.