What to do if my landlord from the previous house claims that deposits were linked with all tenants when we first moved into the property?
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What to do if my landlord from the previous house claims that deposits were linked with all tenants when we first moved into the property?
However new tenants moved in last year, now we’ve all moved out. The landlord is saying there was a problem with one of the initial housemates but only telling us this 2 years later. and saying we can’t get our deposits back until the issue is resolved with that previous tenant. I’ve asked him for documentation for the accounts being linked but it’s been 2+ months and keeps saying he will send it. Can I get my deposit back? He hasn’t even told me what scheme my deposit is protected with.
Asked on October 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You hail from the state of Ohio, correct? There are specific steps and requirments that a landlord must meet regarding security deposits.If the landlord does not follow the exact letter of the law then their right to withhold ANY of your deposit money is forfeited completely. In this case Tenant laws in the State of Ohio force the landlord to return 100% of your security desposit.Now, landlords can with hold for unpaid ernt and utility bills as well as damages. Upon receiving your forwarding address, a landlord has 30 days to either return your deposit or give you an itemized list of what was withheld. If part or all of your security deposit was kept, the itemized list must be a detailed list of exactly what was withheld. I think that you need to either speak with some one or sue the landlord in small claims court and do so asap. Good luck.
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