Security deposits are not only for potential damage, but for unpaid rent. Couldn't the landlord keep the deposit by saying he lost a months rent because the proper 30 day notice wasn't given?
Telling people to pour cement down drains is really beyond bad advice, that wouldn't only be a civil matter, it would also be criminal damage to real property, which could mean jail time.

Posted by: burger at July 26, 2008 10:27 PM in response to Security Deposit - no lease!

Can someone please post a link to the renter's guide that Florence refers to above? Sadly, giving short notice is sometimes unavoidable - I was month to month and had to give 15 days. My landlord isn't happy, actually, he's never happy, but has been steadily showing the apartment along with a multitude of brokers. Problem is this: the market sucks and my landlord is listing the apartment at a ridiculous amount. He just said to be out a couple days before the end of the month and didn't threaten to take the deposit. Regardless, no way will it rent, no way, in which case, will he come after my deposit as a fallback? Seems likely. Or he could trump up what he considers "wear and tear". No?

And, to further my question, if the deposit is only for damages or unpaid rent and not for my lack of notice, how does he collect?

Posted by: hotelcharliebravo at July 29, 2008 6:37 PM in response to Security Deposit - no lease!