Young adults can be susceptible to less-than-honorable landlords. The largest single area of abuse is security deposits.
A security deposit is a payment to a landlord equal to a month or so of rent. Its purpose is to insure that the tenant does not damage the apartment.
When the lease ends, the landlord usually inspects the apartment and, so long as the apartment is in the same condition as it was when the lease began, returns the security deposit to the tenant.
But some landlords use the security deposit to 'make' money. Although laws in states vary, they all have some or all of the following provisions:
1. 'Normal wear and tear' is not the tenant's responsibility.
This means that any apartment that's been occupied for six months or more will show signs of having been lived in. As long as the apartment is in generally the same condition, the landlord should return the entire security deposit.
2. There are time limits.
By which the landlord must (i) return the security deposit in full or, (ii) indicate his issues with the condition of the apartment. This is usually 30 days.
3. The landlord cannot keep the entire security deposit even if there are items that were damaged.
He must give the tenant an account of exactly what's damaged and the estimated cost to repair.
Some landlords also use a security deposit to pay for 'late fees' and other tenant breaches of the lease agreement.
If you feel that your security deposit has been improperly withheld:
• Contact your State's Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Consider bringing a suit against the landlord in Small Claims Court.
• Contact the police department if you feel your landlord is totally dishonest.
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