I’m tempted to put this in the pit, but I would like people’s opinions about my best course of action.
I lived in Florida up until October last year. I had been renting an apartment there for about a year. I paid a huge deposit because I had moved from South Africa and had no credit history.
I gave them notice 07/28/2005. I moved out 09/30/2005. They sent my certified letter to my new apartment in Atlanta on 11/07/2005, stating that they owed me $987.54 (the original deposit minus a final water bill). Since then, nothing. I’ve phoned at least six times, they’ve not returned my calls once. Two weeks ago I phoned and actually got through to the property manager who said the check had been returned due to an incorrect address. I gave them my address again, but how could they have the incorrect address since my certified letter made it to me?! It’s been two weeks since then and nothing.
So, at what point should I stop thinking they are incompetent and start thinking they are out to steal my money? What would you recommend as a next course of action? They appear to be in breach of Florida statutes. If I sue, do courts typically allow for claiming of travelling costs (I would have to show up in Florida)?
I’ve really had enough of them. They have absolutely no right to keep my money like this.
OK, so try them once more and this time politely add that this is a significant amount of money and if you are not able to resolve the issue you will have your attorney contact them. Most law offices charge only a nominal fee for a “consultation” and writing a letter.
It also worked right away for me. My next step was to contact the Attorney General and seek damages. I don’t know how effective that would’ve been, but it seemed to scare them.
I hate that so many landlords do this. I’ve always been good about cleaning up after I leave and I’ve never once had my money returned when they said they would.
Almost every apartment complex will attempt to keep your deposit. Especially if you move out of state. They know that you’d have to return to sue them in small claims court and that most people can’t be bothered to do such.
However, that is a substantial amount of money. Hopefully, an attorney’s letter will work.
Do you have someone near the old place…friend or family…that can act on your behalf? Maybe a face-to-face visit from someone might get them moving on this.
I can look into this. I do have friends still in the area. As mentioned in other posts, I need to make it clear that I will be getting my money back, either through a promptly mailed check or a painful legal procedure. It does seem like they’re just hoping I go away.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Looks like I’m not the only one who has had to deal with this.
Gah! I hate people like this. Spineless, immoral and petty. If there’s a hell …