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When I moved in to my last apartment, I was asked to pay double the usual security deposit (equal to 2 months rent) because I had pets. I was told at the time that this would be returned as a security deposit when I moved out providing there was no damage. I have now moved out and only received half of my security deposit. My former landlord is not returning my e-mails or my calls regarding the matter and it has now been over a month. My inclination is to believe that the pet deposit was meant to me non-refundable and somebody in their office goofed when I was told otherwise but there is nothing indicating that this would be the case on my lease or the receipt I was given at move-in for first and last months rent along with a deposit equal to 2 months rent. What do I do?
State/Country relating to Question: Pennsylvania
Hello, I am happy to answer your question.The most important thing is for you to have a copy of the lease and receipt, which it sounds like you have.If your landlord has an office that you can visit, I would just go there with your documents and speak with someone there. This could very well be an administrative mistake and he may just be busy and not trying to avoid your calls.In the end you are entitled to get your money back if it states in the lease that the deposit was refundable. Also, make sure that there wasn't actually any damage, because he could be trying to claim that there was pet damage.In the meantime, don't deposit the check that you have, if you haven't already. If you do, write on the back where you endorse it "endorsing only in recognition of partial payment" because if you sign it and deposit it he could possibly argue that you accepted that as payment in full.If there is no office, then prepare a very simple letter stating what you have told me. That there is no pet damage, that you received a check for only 1 month security and you gave him 2. Ask him for the remaining balance and say that you will deposit the check as partial payment.I hope this helps.Kimberly
Attorney
10 years of legal experience in various fields of law.