Q: My ex-landlord won’t return my 4200$ security deposit (after 17 years tenant) He won’t respond to my texts!!
He originally began telling me his claims on the phone- I had to hang up because it was such obvious bs and a complete betrayal
He just decided that he’s got it and won’t return it
A: Small claims is the place for you. The LL has to provide you with an itemized accounting of deductions against your deposit within 21 days after you vacate. If you dispute it you can file in Small Claims. If he is wrongfully withholding the deposit, you may be able to collect a penalty on the part wrongfully withheld- but you have to ask for it when you file- so you file for double the deposit . You can consult with a Tenant's rights attorney before filing the SC action, or if you are savvy enough, you can research Tenant rights on the web, it should lead you to the California Civil Code. Good luck.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
