LANDLORD REFUSES TO REFUND SECURITY

[DEDEE ROYALE]

THREE YEARS AGO I LEASED COMMERCIAL SPACE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND OPERATED IT AS A BRIDAL SHOP. I GAVE THE THE ORIGINAL OWNER A $1,000 SECURITY DEPOSIT AND PAID ALL RENTS IN A TIMELY MANNER. I ALSO IMPROVED THE SPACE IMMENSELY.
IN OCTOBER 2000, WHEN MY LEASE EXPIRED, I SOLD THE BUSINESS, INFORMING THE LANDLORD OF THE CHANGE AND ALSO REQUESTED THE RETURN OF MY DEPOSIT, AS THE NEW TENANT WAS ACCEPTING THE SPACE "AS IS".
THE LANDLORD SIGNED A NEW LEASE WITH THE PRESENT TENANT AND ACCEPTED A "NEW" SECURITY DEPOSIT WITHOUT EVER NOTIFYING ME OF THE STATUS OF MY $1,000. THE LANDLORD NEVER DID AN INSPECTION OR GIVE ME WRITTEN NOTICE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. IT HAS NOW BEEN 70 DAYS SINCE I VACATED AND THE LANDLORD HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE THE SITUATION ENTIRELY.
WHAT SHALL I DO? AM I ENTITLED TO TRIPLE DAMAGES PLUS ATTORNEY'S COSTS? WHAT ABOUT INTEREST ON THE SECURITY?
THANK YOU. DD ROYALE

 

[JETX]

Without knowing the specifics of NH law, I cannot give you a detailed response. However, your post did not say that you did the most obvious... have you written a letter (Sent Certified RRR) to the landlord asking for your deposit and/or an accounting of the deposit account???? If not, you need to do so.

Then, after you have done this, and if the landlord refuses to handle it properly.. you can consider the other options (litigation, attorney fee recovery, treble damages, etc.).

Also, get your CAPS lock key fixed. By typing in all caps, it is considered to be shouting, and my hearing is just fine.