Is there a way to find out who rented my apartment before me?

Question

I am trying to find out who rented my apartment before me since my current landlord is trying to make up excuses to keep my security deposit or is there someone I could report my landlord to so they can investigate him and prevent him from trying to do this to another tenant?

Answer 1

It might be tricky to find the previous tenants, but in every state there are laws to protect renters. Google your state +renter's rights or laws.

Find a law that protects you, quote it to your landlord and let him know you'll be speaking to a lawyer. He'd probably rather just hand the money over than deal with lawyers.

Answer 2

I can't see the connection between finding the previous tenant and having your security deposit refunded.  Anyway, due to privacy rules, I don't think the landlord can provide you with these details.  I receive old mail from previous tenants, although the only info I have is their name (and an old address).  I am not nosey enough to open their mail!

If you want your deposit back, try in this order (1) talking to them (2) writing a letter (3) tribunal.  Of couse, sometimes the effort involved is just not worth the $.  I know someone who went to tribunal over a rental car (they claimed a few hundred dollars due to damage that was already there in the 1st place).  After taking a couple of afternoons off work to attend the tribunals, my friend just gave up.

good luck!

Answer 3

Ask the neighbors - only option you may have (and even that is iffy).

Answer 4

Yes, like the person above said...ask the neighbors.  Why do you need the old tenants name though?  Where do you live...is there not some type of residential tenancy act in place?

Answer 5

Perhaps you have received mail for the old tenant?  I'd suggest asking the agent for the old tenant's details so you can forward mail directly... even if you haven't received any.

Due to privacy laws this will be very difficult!

Good luck... take it to the Office of Fair Trading if you feel the landlord is doing something dodgy (if in Australia) otherwise take it to your local tenancy tribunal