security deposit and utilities...

[dragonbruce29]

What is the name of your state? CA

so i had a $200.00 security deposit given to my landlord of a year plus. I was renting a room in a house. I vacated the room with proper notice and it's been more than 21 days (a month now) and i still havent received my security deposit in full. instead, i have received $106.00 back and the remainder my ex-landlord is witholding b/c he claims i have unpaid utilities. according to my records i dont and either way, i thought utilities costs cannot be taken out from the security deposit. I have been trying to contact my landlord via email and phone but he doesnt answer or reply. all he did was send me a typed up spreadsheet over email saying what utilities i have not paid, although i really dont feel that is legal documentation and even credible proof.

my lease agreement mentioned that i pay rent as well as share utilities with my other roommates (3 total). i have talked to my other roomates recently and they mentioned that my landlord is stilla round, that he is most likely avoiding me.

i just want to make sure, b/c after readin the law, i am sure he cannot withold amounts for utilities nor can he believe the email with a typed up spreadsheet is valid proof. and the fact that i still have no FULL refund still and it's way past 21 days, makes him much less credible and he broke the law. btw, i now live in the same city as him so there shouldnt be an issuee with receiving mail in a timely manner.

what do you think? i think i need to take him to court or get a lawyer's letter, but i want to make sure i'm in the right before i do so.

thnx for lettin me know.

 

[ENASNI]

well

Small claims court has a $30 filing fee.
Doing service to him is about $5 a pop CCCR requesting your full refund, which is usually done twice to show you are putting your ducks in a row for your claim.
so you are looking at $66 that you want from your LL.
He did send you the refund within the time allotted... so that is not a claim..

Hey man, I am on your side here if he did wrong... I am still wringing my hands and draggin' my feet on the same dealywig... but mine is in the neighborhood of $600.00

So ya catch my driftaroo.

If I did my math wrong... sorry.. too many Marshmallow peeps.

 

[dragonbruce29]

well, he may have paid me within 21 days but it wasnt the FULL refund nor did he send written documentation as to why and for what the rest of my deposits are being held for. i would think that puts him in the wrong.

 

[south]

Ask for breakdown for the

deductions.

Also ask for evidence of the bills he has paid that you owe.

Do this in a letter with proof of mailing.

If he ignores or does not produce the base for the deductions take your proof of mailing letter, his emails and the check he sent you and file a small claim for everything he has not shown you he paid plus the court filing fees.