Q: Do I have to allow the owner to show my room while I'm still here, and how can I get my whole security deposit back?
I rented a room of one side of a duplex from craigslist @ $400 per month with no terms or specified length and a $400 Security deposit for cleaning, the house owner downloaded from the internet. I have a fixed income from SDI only. The 85 yr old owner lives in the home and after 4 months, I caught her saying bad things over the phone about me to the other tenant. Now i know why he doesn't talk to me. She screamed at me to not talk to her which she has even screamed at children at the store, so I haven't. She then gave me a hand written note of eviction (with no grounds written) only telling me that the other tenant was buying the house and wanted the room. Fine, I no longer wanted to live there. But the next day she told me that it was a a lie and the real reason is that I am not congenial. I have taken great care of my room and the rest of the house that I may have contact with. Now 1 wk till I move out she wants me to allow her to show my room and I have to get my deposit.
A:
You'll have to show your room with 24 hours notice from the landlord.
You can request a move-out inspection prior to moving out so that you can be informed of what things you will have to repair in order to get your full deposit back. The landlord is obligated to return an itemized statement along with receipts for any amounts deducted from your security deposit, and the balance of your security deposit to you within 21 days of your moving out. Be sure to leave a forwarding address.
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