Boston, MA asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island

Q: In RI, who should get back a deposit on an apartment lease when you are divorcing? I paid the deposit originally

My ex lied to my landlord and told them that I gave him the deposit to move it to his next lease starting August 1st. Since I paid the original deposit and he is starting a new lease, shouldn’t I be the one that receives it back?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
Answered
  • PROVIDENCE, RI
  • Licensed in Rhode Island

A: If your ex is lying to your landlord, there is a good chance they may also be lying to you. If you have the same landlord and you are now trying to convince them to return your deposit, this may have to be resolved in court if the landlord refuses to return your deposit. I suspect there are probably some other issues to address in your divorce which will probably best be addressed with your attorney. Unfortunately, if this is not a large sum of money the costs of litigation MAY be something you should also consider carefully. One more thing to consider and talk about when you next talk to your favorite family court attorney, advocate, and counselor.

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