Landlord won't give me my security deposit back.?

According to a letter that was sent to me by my landlord, I had to propose a written document stating my intention to not renew my apartment lease by December 17, 2007 which has already passed otherwise I lose my security deposit. I think this is very unfair, and the only reason I did not meet the deadline was because I was out of town and didn't receive the letter in time. Merry Christmas to me. Any opinions on what I could do? Should I meet with my Landlord to discuss how this is unfair?|||I think meeting with them would be a waste of time. I personally have always believed the concept of "having your security deposit returned" is a fraud. I think its one of those unwritten rules that apply to the other 98% of us, and they were never meant to be returned to us.|||It sounds like the landlord is counting the security deposit as the last month's rent. Most places have a minimum of 30 days advance notice, you may have had 45 days.|||Depends on the state you live in. In NH, a security deposit can only be used to repair damage to the apartment. Look up your local laws. If you know a lawyer, have him fire off a quick letter to the landlord threatening to sue. You might have to sue him in small claims court.|||Like you said "Merry Christmas to me".





First read your rental contract and see exactly what it says. Try to see if there is a "recourse" to not meeting the deadline.





Most landlords who do not have a "waiting list" of tenants are sticklers for holding you to the dead line because when the apartment becomes vacant, they lose money.





If the deposit is significant you may want to hire a specialist lawyer in Real Estate and go to Small Claims Court or have the lawyer work out an agreement.





Next time be more careful before you leave town about any deadlines that will come about while you're gone. As you know now what an "over sight" can be worth.|||It was up to you to know the terms of your lease and to follow them.





If sounds like you needed to give notice -- and didn't. The landlord even sent a letter to you... to confirm this. So, now you are on the hook for continued rent.





Chalk this one up to experience. You may not get out of it.





This is not to say it won't work out. Be nice, explain your situation to the owner. Tell them when you are moving out in writing ASAP, and go forward. Ask them if they can give you break -- and work with them, perhaps ask them, "Is there anyway I get my security desposit back?"





Whatever the outcome, next time you sign a lease, clearly understand what your need to do to end the lease, and what are the ramifications if you don't.|||I don't know of a single state where a landlord can keep a security deposit because a lease expired. The usual scenario is that once a lease expires you become a month to month renter and with 30 days notice you can move out and have your deposit returned (assuming there is no damage to the property). But, if you have already left the apartment without giving notice, kiss the deposit goodbye. These terms are usually stated in the original lease you signed.





My advice is to read your lease. If you haven't moved tell me which state you live in and I will help you look up the law that states your landlord is doing business illegally. Just be prepared to go to small claims court.|||move out.


take photos of apt.


go to small claims