Deposit

[CarlJay89]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa

Over the summer I subleased a small room in an apartment. I decided a sublease was the best way to go because I was considering transferring schools(which I did). Anyway I no longer live in this town where I rented this apartment. My deposit was supposed to be sent out on the 31st as stated in the rental agreement, but when I called them on the 3rd they said that they had just that day decided to authorize my deposit.

Well I waited a week and then I called them, every single day for 5 days and they did not answer my phone calls or messages. My issue is that this isn't just one guy in an office building it is a considerably sizable rental agency for the town it is located in.

My questions:

If they decide now not to give me my deposit what should I do? There is considerable damage in the apartment, but I did not cause any of it. I have photo and video evidence of the condition of the apartment upon my entering it.

What if I decide to drive all the way to this town to ask about my deposit? What should I be prepared to say? The deposit was only $250, but it is money that they did not earn.

Thank you

 

[Gail in Georgia]

In Iowa, a landlord has 30 days after a tenancy ends to send the renter information regarding the status of their security deposit.

Send a letter stating they have 7 days to return this or you will consider legal action against them.

In the meantime, read up on the security deposit law for Iowa:

Landlord Tenant Law in Iowa

Gail

 

[FarmerJ]

Do as what Gail suggest , but if it was me I would tell them in the letter `I took pictures of the apt on my move in day to show its detailed condition and took pictures on my move out day to show what its final condition was, and have no problem filing in small claims court to get my deposit funds returned while showing the court my pictures and assure you , since you have already failed to follow IA deposit law , with my pictures I wont be the one who looks real bad in court` Yah its a bit much, but the person you paid the deposit to may not want to risk going to court after they become aware of their own screw up. Whether you really want to go all the way back to file or not , is not the point , telling them your willing to go back and file and have proofs to offer the court may be enough to get them to deal with it even if its late.