WA State-Landlord files Ch 7 Bankruptcy. Can Security Deposit be recovered?

[Thecompdude]

Hi,
I live in Seattle, WA. My residential landlord gave me a month's notice and asked me to move out of the condo by end of Feb. After a week of moving out, the landlord filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and I received a notice about the same from the bankruptcy court & his lawyer. I have not received a letter about the deposit or any deductions from the landlord after moving out and it has been 3 weeks since the move out. The deposit amount is $1500.

As per Landlord-Tenant law Clause 59.18.270 - The claim for security deposit takes priority over all other claims even that of the bankruptcy trustee.

Also as per clause 59.18.280 - I am entitled to full refund since the 14 day waiting period has passed by.

What are my options now? How should I address this situation? Should I approach the trustee? And how should I present the case to him? Or should I go to Small Claims Court?

 

[Cvillecpm]

Go to the creditor's meeting and make your case to the BK trustee

 

[Who's Liable?]

Tenants are so low on the pay back chart, most likely will never see a dime...
However if you want to make a case and show up to the meeting of creditors, have at it... At least you'll get to see what the scum looks like...

 

[Thecompdude]

This is very disappointing to hear. I am planning to go to the Creditor's meeting, which is next month. But I am also going to the Bankruptcy Clerk & Trustee this week and submit a letter with my claim and the WA state law clauses, which specifically states that the deposit amount should be held in a trust account and should not be co-mingled.

Moreover I was not a creditor to the landlord. I never got an opportunity to check his credit report to determine his credit worthiness before renting!

All this is so unfair!!