Moved out of California, but I need to sue former landlord

[neverrain]

I recently moved from Los Angeles to Seattle. After we (my girlfriend and I) moved out, our former landlord refuses to refund any of our security deposit. This isn't my actual issue though, I'm confident in my case.

My actual question is:

I will need to sue them in LA County, yet, as stated above I have moved to Seattle. Part of me thinks they are doing this because we moved out of state, but I want to know if it is possible for me to sue them from out-of-state without having to travel down to LA to take them to court. Is this possible? If not, is it acceptable for me to sue for travel expenses as well? Also, what happens in California if they just decide not to pay (i.e. make this as difficult and as costly as possible)?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Zigner]

You will need to sue down here. You will need to come down here. You will not recover travel expenses. As to collection of the judgement (if awarded) - well, if they want to make it difficult, it's going to be very difficult.

 

[neverrain]

So basically suing them for ~$750 isn't worth it when it will cost me ~$500 in travel expenses?

 

[Zigner]

So basically suing them for ~$750 isn't worth it when it will cost me ~$500 in travel expenses?

That's not a legal question

 

[BL]

I recently moved from Los Angeles to Seattle. After we (my girlfriend and I) moved out, our former landlord refuses to refund any of our security deposit. This isn't my actual issue though, I'm confident in my case.

My actual question is:

I will need to sue them in LA County, yet, as stated above I have moved to Seattle. Part of me thinks they are doing this because we moved out of state, but I want to know if it is possible for me to sue them from out-of-state without having to travel down to LA to take them to court. Is this possible? If not, is it acceptable for me to sue for travel expenses as well? Also, what happens in California if they just decide not to pay (i.e. make this as difficult and as costly as possible)?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Check with the OAG in the area of your prior rental.

Not sure if they take complaints there about LL issues or not.