Dear Management Company of My Old Apartment,
Yes, I am going to call every day until I get an inspection scheduled, because I am working under the theory that you are not going to release my security deposit until said inspection takes place. Yes, I have called seven or eight times already. Yes, I do plan on making an unflaggingly polite nuisance of myself. Yes, I am willing to be on a first-name basis with everyone in your office. Yes, I am also willing to show up in person if need be. You owe me upwards of $1,800, and I am going to get it back, so don't count on me forgetting and going away anytime soon.
Love,
English Major
Monday, June 16, 2008
An Open Letter
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13 comments:
LOL, too cool!
Here's a thought: check NY's tenant rights. In my state (GA, which has horrible tenant rights...) you MUST receive your security deposit back within 30 days (or how much they take out for damages and the remaining amount), otherwise you can go to court and get damages up to the security deposit amount * 2. I'd check your laws and maybe send out a certified mail letter (so you can track it's receipt). Just a thought--best of luck!
$1800 security deposit ?? What was your monthly rent ? Generally the security deposit is 25% of the rent .....
Our security deposit was 1 months rent plus $250 not 25%, I've never heard of 25%, only 1 mo. or more.
You might have to file a Rent Security Complaint Form with the Attorney General's office (see here for more info). Your former landlord is given 60 days by New York law to return your deposit. After that, the AG office will be most helpful in getting you the money back.
Also, you should know that they are required to keep the money in an interest-bearing account, and you are entitled to that interest, less 1% of the original deposit for the landlord's administrative costs.
Can you tell I've been through this before? ;)
Also, usually if they don't give it back in 30 days or 60 days or whatever the statutory time frame is, they will owe double or triple the amount if you have to go to court.
I have never ever heard of a security deposit that is 25% of the rent.
I have also never heard of a 25 percent deposit. I've rented many places, the general rule is, you pay first and last month's rent at the time of lease signing. English Major, I have lost my deposit to shady landlords (including one who claimed we left 'waterbed damage'--never mind that we didn't HAVE a waterbed!. Even with good landlords, getting money back can be a challenge...one of them said she was very sorry but she spent it. After writing her numerous personal letters, she finally paid me back some of it piecemeal. All of this after being a great tenant--always paying on time or early, quiet, etc.
Here in TX, security deposit can be lower than 25% of the monthly rent.
25% isn't abnormal in cheaper cities (Pittsburgh, Cleveland, etc.)
If I were you English, I would camp out in the doorway of their office. Don't let them getaway with it.
Go get'um girl. It's just like breaking a horse stay on long enough and they come around to your terms.
I love this blog. Keep calling. I had to haggle and hound my old landlord for mine. PS-- I am 23 1/2. I hold a graduate degree in English and live in NY. And freedom was supposed to be free...I feel your pain
Best,
C
YEAH! Don't quit, and don't let them push you around. You are in the right, as long as you haven't abused the property (which it doesn't sound like). You should have some sort of written insurance that it is paid back to you within a month or two, check your local laws. Keep taking the lead, because $1800 is nothing to trifle with! Good luck...
Jerry
www.leads4insurance.com
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