Your Landlord Must Follow State and Federal Security Deposit Laws
Many aspects of landlord and tenant relationships are governed by state, federal and even local laws. Below we cover the most common security deposit disputes.
If you’re having a security deposit dispute with your landlord, working with an experienced attorney can ensure that your rights are protected. LegalShield offers the most affordable way to get the help of a tenant lawyer in your state.
How to Get Your Landlord to Return Your Entire Security Deposit
Your lease, along with state and federal laws, dictates how your landlord can use your security deposit. If your landlord is unjustly trying to withhold a portion or all of your security deposit, your LegalShield provider lawyer can fight to get it back for you. Typical permissible uses include the following.
- To return the unit to its original condition at the end of a lease term (not upgrade or improve the unit).
- To repair property damage caused by a tenant (this does not include normal wear and tear).
- To clean the property if it’s excessively dirty when turned back over to the landlord.
- To offset unpaid rent.
In almost all cases, landlords are required to conduct a walk-through with tenants to point out their reasons for withholding all or a portion of the security deposit and give the renter a chance to dispute their claims and/or time to make necessary repairs. In addition, most states require landlords to provide an itemized list of security deposit deductions and receipts for any repairs they claim to have made.
If your landlord is unjustly refusing to return any portion of your security deposit, speaking with an experienced lawyer is the best way to quickly understand your rights and get your landlord to return all the funds you’re owed.
How LegalShield Works
Finding solutions to your legal issues doesn’t have to be stressful, complicated or expensive.
LegalShield puts the power of legal representation within reach of any individual, family or business. We work hard to make it easy, simple and affordable to get the legal help you need, when you need it.
Krizia Verplancke of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2017.
Spencer Tadashi Schiefer of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2011.
Michael E. Medina Jr. of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 1993.
How LegalShield Works
Finding solutions to your legal issues doesn’t have to be stressful, complicated or expensive.
LegalShield puts the power of legal representation within reach of any individual, family or business. We work hard to make it easy, simple and affordable to get the legal help you need, when you need it.
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