Security Deposit

When I signed a lease 2 yrs ago, I put down a deposit of a months rent. Can that be used as the last month's rent? Do I have to
pay the last month and wait for the deposit back?

[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by atwitsend:
When I signed a lease 2 yrs ago, I put down a deposit of a months rent. Can that be used as the last month's rent? Do I have to
pay the last month and wait for the deposit back? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No. Yes. Read your written lease agreement and let me know what it says on using the deposit as payment for the last month's rent.

It does not state anything in the lease about using it as the last month's rent. I live in Ohio.

[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by atwitsend:
It does not state anything in the lease about using it as the last month's rent. I live in Ohio.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Check the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321, Landlords and Tenants. Section 5321.16 deals with security deposits.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by atwitsend:
It does not state anything in the lease about using it as the last month's rent. I live in Ohio.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I can tell you that unless the contract states that you CANNOT use the deposit as the last month's rent, then you can do that. If you choose to pay the last month's rent, then by law, the landlord only has 30 days to refund your deposit. IF THEY DO NOT MEET THAT 30 DAY
DEADLINE, THEY OWE YOU THE ENTIRE AMOUNT, REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OF THE APARTMENT.

as always....i will YELL AND SCREAM THIS TO ALL TENANTS:

GET 2 OR 3 DISPOSABLE CAMERAS AND TAKE PICTURES AS THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE APARTMENT, THE KITCHEN, BATHROOM WALLS DOORS EVERYTHING

MAKE ANOTHER SET IN CASE THE LANDLORD SUES FOR DAMAGES...IT WILL BE THE CHEAPEST $40 YOU'LL EVER SPEND!