Q: Question about security deposts not being returned in Williamsburg VA.
Over 50 days ago two groups of tennants moved out of seperate houses owned by the same landlord. The leases are identical save for the address. We have repeatedly contacted the landlord who has refused to share information about the return of the security deposits. Can both residencies (5 people total) file in small claims court together? If not, is it possible to authorize someone to file on our behalf, as none of us live in williamsburg anymore?
We have evidence that we reached out to her multiple times and she has indicated thst she intends to charge our deposits but wont reply to emails asking for details.
No inspection occured of the property until 40 days after we left, one had been scheduled for an earlier date but the landlord failed to show up.
New tennants have lived in the properties since the day we moved out.
A: Each tenant who will make a claim for the landlord's failure to return the security deposit must file their own claim in the court, but all claims can be scheduled on the same court date. In small claims court, no attorney will be permitted by rule of the court.
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