Arlington, VA asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: A person was assigned my lease 3 years ago & is now threatening to sue me for the security deposit I asked be returned

I stayed in the house one week into the lease and credited her the rent amount from the deposit. Now she has moved, agreed not to receive the deposit back from the landlord, and wants to sue me, saying I "fraudulently obtained" a deposit from her. She cannot produce the check she gave me or a signed agreement between us (she signed a lease with the landlord, not me). She is also suing for the incorrect amount (the check is for $850 but she insists it is for $900). What can I do?

1 Lawyer Answer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Winchester, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Worst case scenario; you are on the hook for the value of the security deposit and fees and costs associated with the lawsuit. If you have been sued, get a lawyer.

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