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Hi All,

I’m writing mainly to the landlords of the bunch.

We moved out of our rental apartment on June 31st of this past summer and haven’t heard a peep from our landlady about the deposit. I spoke to her a few times regarding other matters fairly shortly after our move-out, but now she is not answering or returning our calls that specifically address wanting to get moving with the deposit procedure.

We painted before we moved out (as was agreed upon, although generous on our part given the state of the apartment) and left the apartment in better shape than it was when we moved in. Of course, this is my side of the story, but even if she feels strongly that she can keep the full amount (over $2000) she has to follow protocol and provide receipts – am I correct on that?

I know she hasn’t rented it and I’m sure she’s putting off returning the deposit until she can get some money from the new tenants, but I doubt it’s going to happen anytime soon and I don’t feel that I should have to wait the 7 months that it took her to rent the other apartments last year.

My question is, how is it best to proceed from here? I’m in touch with the broker that set up the deal initially, and they’re being semi-helpful. I believe they’re trying, but she is a very difficult person to communicate with. I’m willing to get lawyers involved if that’s what it comes to, but of course would rather deal with more in a more civil manner. Knowing that she is not famous for her professional handling of tenant relations, I fear that not only will we never get any portion of the money back, but that we won’t even get receipts or an explanation.

Given that there is no state required time for the resolving of this matter other than “reasonable”, I guess I’m asking what “reasonable” means in your opinions/experience?

Thank in advance!