Need advice re situation with former landlord and $$

DH and I moved out of our apartment in late May. We still have not gotten our security, in whole or part, $1250 plus our share of whatever interest accumulated).

DH called the landlady, who told him that the landlord had to replace the fridge. It was a newish fridge, but the handle on it was not the original one. It came off in my hand one night and then would fall off from time to time. I didn't bother to call him because we knew we were leaving. We accidentally took the handle with us when we left, but since we were back and forth I brought it back and stuck it on again. The fridge was in perfect working order. I am so aggravated- do I have a right to some documentation, a receipt or anything saying they replaced the fridge? This is a building with about 20 units, so I know they had to put the money in a interest bearing acct. etc. I don't want to write off that money and I am really aggravated.

Re: Need advice re situation with former landlord and $$

I definitely think you have the right to documentation- they can say they used the money for anything and keep it! I would definitely make a stink and ask to see documentation.

Re: Need advice re situation with former landlord and $$

Re: Need advice re situation with former landlord and $$

You should have the right to the itemized deductions from your security deposit. I think you should start documenting everything now. Don't bother calling the landlord anymore - what you need to do is send the a formal letter certified return receipt - requesting your security depost plus any interest due you. For any deductions, you require an itemization along with receipts. Something along the lines -

If I am forced to sue {BUILDING OR LANDLORD NAME}, I can assure you that I will be seeking full remediation under the law for the amount due me and all fees and expenses associated with any unlawful deductions from my security deposit.

If you can quote some law, that usually helps. The idea is to make the letter seem as if you've consulted a lawyer. It's worked like a charm for me everytime I've had a dispute - than again, I used to work for a lawfirm ages ago so the legalese language is still buried in my brain.

Good luck!

Message edited 10/10/2005 8:06:08 PM.