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Landlord Won't Fix landlord keeping entire security deposit — Options?

Started by anon_driver_2025 · Feb 5, 2025 · 1,660 views · 20 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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anon_driver_2025 OP

I'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

landlord keeping entire security deposit. I've been dealing with this for about 2 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have been renting for 7 years. My monthly rent is $4,097. I have a written lease.

What are the risks if I pursue this? What's the likely timeline?

RJ
RE_Attorney_James Attorney

I specialize in this area of law. Here's my take on the legal issues.

This is a common situation and the law is fairly clear. Under the implied warranty of habitability, uninhabitable.

One important thing — there are strict deadlines for filing these claims. Don't wait too long.

IG
InsuranceGuy_FL

I went through almost the exact same thing.

I ended up escalating to a supervisor/manager, which cost about $1-3 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

GL
GigWorker_LA

I've dealt with this before.

In my case, it took about 1-3 months to resolve. The key was escalating to a supervisor/manager.

GL
GigWorker_LA

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 2-4 months to resolve. The key was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter.

NH
need_help_contractor_today

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

CM
ContractorMike_CA

I've dealt with this before.

In my case, it took about 3-6 months to resolve. The key was having everything documented.

FS
frustrated_student_OH

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

FT
first_time_trader_advice

Have you tried reaching out to your state's legal aid society? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

LT
LandlordTom_TX

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

In my case, it took about 3-6 months to resolve. The key was having everything documented.

WI
worried_investor_MA

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

FC
frustrated_creator_NC

NAL, but from what I've read, you should check your state's specific laws. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

NH
need_help_business_owner_advice

This happened to me too. Have you tried filing a complaint with the relevant agency? In my case they investigated and it got resolved without needing a lawyer.

MA
MusicProducer_ATL

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is having everything documented. I'd recommend keeping a detailed timeline instead.

CT
CryptoTrader_2023

I've dealt with this before.

I ended up filing with the appropriate government agency, which cost about $4-8 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

CA
CorpCounsel_Amy

Been there. Here's what I learned.

In my case, it took about 4-8 months to resolve. The key was filing with the appropriate government agency.

NL
NursePractitioner_LA

I've dealt with this before.

What worked for me was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. It took 2-4 months but was worth it.

NT
newbie_trader_help

Have you tried reaching out to your state's legal aid society? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

CT
CryptoTrader_2023

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is filing with the appropriate government agency. I'd recommend gathering evidence first instead.

FS
frustrated_student_TX

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

AF
asking_for_friend_parent_2022

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.