Security deposit withheld, repairs ignored, habitability violations, illegal lockout — I draft demand letters that cite the specific laws your landlord is violating. $575 flat fee with a draft lawsuit attached. Most landlords respond within 2 weeks.
A complete demand letter package that makes landlords respond.
Rush delivery available: +$150 for 24-48 hour turnaround.
These are real cases I have handled. Most landlords respond within 2 weeks because the demand letter includes a draft lawsuit and statutory penalty calculations.
Landlord withheld entire $3,800 deposit claiming "cleaning" and "painting" that were normal wear and tear. I cited CC §1950.5 and demanded the deposit plus bad-faith penalties. Landlord returned $3,800 plus $1,900 in penalties within 14 days.
Tenant reported mold in bedroom and bathroom for 6 months. Landlord ignored repair requests. I cited the implied warranty of habitability and demanded professional remediation plus rent abatement. Landlord hired a remediation company within 10 days and credited 2 months' rent.
Landlord changed locks while tenant was at work after a late rent dispute. I cited Texas Property Code §92.0081 (unlawful lockout) and demanded immediate re-entry plus statutory penalties. Tenant was back in the unit within 24 hours with $2,000 in penalties.
Landlord refused to repair a broken heating system in December. I cited NYC Housing Maintenance Code and warranty of habitability. Landlord dispatched repair crew within 48 hours and credited $1,200 in rent abatement.
I represent both tenants and landlords, but most of my cases are tenant-side. Here are the most common scenarios.
Every demand letter includes the specific statute your landlord is violating. Here are the most common state-specific laws.
Email me your lease, photos of the unit, repair requests, move-in/out checklist, and any correspondence with your landlord. Tell me what happened and what you want to recover.
I identify the specific statute your landlord violated and calculate the maximum recoverable damages (deposit + statutory penalties where applicable).
You get a formal demand letter citing the law and a draft small claims complaint attached. The draft lawsuit shows your landlord you are prepared to file if they do not respond.
The demand letter goes to your landlord or property manager via USPS certified mail with signature requested, plus email if available. Most landlords respond within 2 weeks. If they do not, I can prepare the small claims filing package for $1,250 (CA only).
Send me your evidence and I will tell you exactly what you can recover under your state's statute.
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"My landlord kept $2,800 of my deposit for 'carpet replacement' after 5 years of tenancy. Sergei's letter explained that carpet has a useful life and normal wear is not deductible. Got my full deposit back plus $1,400 in penalties."
"Reported mold in my apartment for 8 months with no response. Sergei sent a demand letter citing habitability requirements and the landlord hired a professional remediation company within a week. Also got 3 months of rent credit."
"Came home to find my locks changed after a rent dispute. Sergei sent an emergency demand letter citing state lockout statutes. I was back in my apartment the next morning with $2,500 in statutory penalties."
Yes — I primarily represent tenant-side cases, but I also help landlords with non-paying tenants and lease violations. The process is the same: I draft a demand letter citing the applicable statutes and demanding compliance or payment.
No — I handle landlord-tenant demand letters nationwide. I research the specific landlord-tenant statute for your state and cite the applicable laws in the demand letter.
If the demand letter does not resolve the issue, I can prepare a small claims filing package for $1,250. This includes a completed complaint, declaration, and filing instructions. You file it yourself (pro se), which saves attorney court appearance fees.
It depends on your state. California allows up to 2x the deposit amount for bad faith withholding (CC §1950.5). Texas allows up to 3x plus $100 for intentional retention. Other states have different penalty structures. I calculate the maximum recoverable damages in your demand letter.
Photos of the unit at move-in and move-out, your lease agreement, email or text communication with your landlord, repair requests, move-in/move-out checklists, and any receipts for repairs or cleaning you performed yourself. The more documentation, the stronger your case.
Same process. Corporate landlords and property management companies respond to attorney demand letters. I send the letter via USPS certified mail with signature requested to their registered agent or corporate office, and they typically have an in-house counsel who reviews it.