Looks like I'm plain screwed? Landlord keeping my security deposit:

[Zeze]

Very short summary:

1. I've been an exemplary tenant, haven't missed any rent during my 24 months of tenancy.

2. Prior to moving out, we did a walk-through together. She was very satisfied.

3. Of course she does a complete 180 and stopped all communication to me.

4. Yes I will be suing her at small claims. But after reading it through, collecting it is another matter. Writ of execution and all that and people don't end up collecting. What the hell is the point of suing if you can't collect?

Anything else I can do. I can't believe I'll just be straight up conned $3,000. I'm in NJ but landlord lives in Atlanta.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Is she cute? pictures....

 

[yinan]

Wouldn't things like this go on a credit report either personal or business?

 

[brainhulk]

Hmmm..Maybe walk throughs should be video recorded?

 

[Zeze]

Hmmm..Maybe walk throughs should be video recorded?

then what.

 

[skimple]

If the court rules in your favor and she doesn't pay, you can place a lien against her property. You won't get your money now, but eventually she is going to want to sell. And she won't be able to until she finds you and pays you back.

Its a long game, but in the end Karma will win.

 

[brainhulk]

If the court rules in your favor and she doesn't pay, you can place a lien against her property. You won't get your money now, but eventually she is going to want to sell. And she won't be able to until she finds you and pays you back.

Its a long game, but in the end Karma will win.

This? At least it won't be your word against hers. Maybe there should be a formal check off list that gets signed at the end of the walk thru instead.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Very short summary:

1. I've been an exemplary tenant, haven't missed any rent during my 24 months of tenancy.

2. Prior to moving out, we did a walk-through together. She was very satisfied.

3. Of course she does a complete 180 and stopped all communication to me.

4. Yes I will be suing her at small claims. But after reading it through, collecting it is another matter. Writ of execution and all that and people don't end up collecting. What the hell is the point of suing if you can't collect?

Anything else I can do. I can't believe I'll just be straight up conned $3,000. I'm in NJ but landlord lives in Atlanta.

The only time you don't sue is when they clearly don't have the assets/funds to pay you.

In this case, someone that is renting property is VERY VERY much likely to have the security deposit amount. Call her bluff and take her to court like you said. Ask financial/legal forums as well for advice if needed.

Also, what the fuck - your security deposit was $3 grand? That doesn't sound right....

 

[highland145]

Georgia has garnishments. You might be able to get paid that way. Call the magistrate's office in the county she lives and get them to send you the paperwork. If she doesn't answer the complaint, you won't have to go to court. They'll mail you the judgement and you'll have to file that with the clerk of court.
EDIT: You actually file the garnishment via the magistrate's court.

In S.C. the lien is only good for 10 years. Not sure about GA but I'm in the middle of suing a POS that lives there so I might find out soon.

What the hell is the point of suing if you can't collect?

Welcome to my world.

Anything else I can do.

Arson sounds enticing but YMMV.:sneaky:

 

[Zeze]

Also, what the fuck - your security deposit was $3 grand? That doesn't sound right....

NJ law is 1.5x rent amount.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

NJ law is 1.5x rent amount.

Jeebus, your rent was 2 grand per month? What the fuck are you living in a playboy mansion?

Get some fucking equity and buy a house with that amount of cash.

 

[Brainonska511]

Jeebus, your rent was 2 grand per month? What the fuck are you living in a playboy mansion?

Get some fucking equity and buy a house with that amount of cash.

Have you seen the rents in areas around and in NYC? $2k/mo is not out of the question. Houses/condos/coops are not necessarily cheaper and leave you with less flexibility if you are young and looking to relocate in the nearer term.

To the OP: Follow through to the letter of the law in trying to get back your deposit. Send her a certified letter demanding justification and proof of expenses for withholding the deposit (etc)... I hope you also have pictures of the apartment itself.

 

[Ryland]

I realize you are in NJ but the same rule might apply as to in RI which is that landlords must either give you your deposit or a written explanation as to WHY they arent within 30 days or else have to pay up to triple the deposit if you bring them to court.

 

[dank69]

then what.

Big sausage pizza.

 

[pete6032]

The first step before court should be to send certified mail to your landlord demanding your security deposit back. The letter should cite appropriate state statute for the timeline of a return of a security deposit. You should also check state statute to see what the penalty is for not returning the deposit in a timely manner, and mention that in the letter. Finally you should also check state statute to see if the landlord is required to provide a written explanation of any money withheld from the returned deposit. If so, be sure to mention this in the letter as well.

You send it certified mail so you can prove that your LL has received the letter.

 

[jlee]

Jeebus, your rent was 2 grand per month? What the fuck are you living in a playboy mansion?

Get some fucking equity and buy a house with that amount of cash.

Here's a 1570sq ft 2br condo for $449k. Taxes alone are over $9k a year.

It's expensive to live here.

 

[RearAdmiral]

Dang that stinks. That's some high end rent too! Best of luck in getting your cash back. Come out to the sticks of PA and rent out my house

 

[Zeze]

The first step before court should be to send certified mail to your landlord demanding your security deposit back. The letter should cite appropriate state statute for the timeline of a return of a security deposit. You should also check state statute to see what the penalty is for not returning the deposit in a timely manner, and mention that in the letter. Finally you should also check state statute to see if the landlord is required to provide a written explanation of any money withheld from the returned deposit. If so, be sure to mention this in the letter as well.

You send it certified mail so you can prove that your LL has received the letter.

Did this. Ultimately it boils down to winning the small claims case (easy) and actually collecting. That's the hardest part.

 

[Anubis]

Jeebus, your rent was 2 grand per month? What the fuck are you living in a playboy mansion?

Get some fucking equity and buy a house with that amount of cash.

my sister rents a house in Mammoth lakes CA and its 4k a month

come out from that rock you live under

 

[Zeze]

Jeebus, your rent was 2 grand per month? What the fuck are you living in a playboy mansion?

Get some fucking equity and buy a house with that amount of cash.

I did.

 

[Sonikku]

4k a month. Holy crap. It really has to suck living on $7.25 in some cities.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Big sausage pizza.

lol

 

[Blackjack200]

NJ penalty for not returning either the full security deposit or an itemized list with deductions and receipts, and the balance of the security deposit 30 days from the formal request (certified letter) is double the security deposit.

Go to court, get your judgment for $6k. Too bad it wasn't in Pennsylvania, that's triple damages. Usually NJ landlords will not fuck with your security deposit for that reason.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Show her your penis, she will die from laughter and with luck she left you everything in her will.

 

[Zeze]

NJ penalty for not returning either the full security deposit or an itemized list with deductions and receipts, and the balance of the security deposit 30 days from the formal request (certified letter) is double the security deposit.

Go to court, get your judgment for $6k. Too bad it wasn't in Pennsylvania, that's triple damages. Usually NJ landlords will not fuck with your security deposit for that reason.

I've repeated several times that collecting it is the hardest part of the battle.