what attorney to hire for landlord not refunding deposit

The other party must be able to move in immediately and pay the rent. A landlord should hire a Chicago landlord and tenant lawyer who specializes in real estate and commercial litigation. An attorney who specializes in this area is a great choice.

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What to do if your landlord refuses to return your deposit?

Dec 09, 2017 · When you file your complaint, ask for filing fees and lawyer fees to be awarded if you hire a lawyer. LANDLORD TENANT, SECUIRTY DEPOSIT, DAMAGE, NOTICE, CLAIM, DEFEND View Attorney Profile

Do I need an attorney to get my security deposit back?

Then follow these steps to sue your landlord for a deposit: Head to your local small claims court. It might be a county or city building. File the forms for small claims (there will be a fee, ranging from $50 to $200 usually) Serve your landlord with papers (you can hire someone if you’re not comfortable doing this, but it must happen) Wait ...

Can a tenant sue a landlord for a lost security deposit?

Mar 30, 2022 · 1 attorney answer. The landlord needs to hire an attorney to review the actual property advertisements, communications and documents surrounding the deposit, the proposed lease, etc. Please do not message or call me unless you are a serious prospective client.

How can I get my Landlord to pay for an attorney?

Dec 17, 2016 · If your landlord still doesn't return your security deposit, check with your state or local government about a mediation service or dispute resolution group that can help you. Then, suggest to your...

What to do if your landlord doesn't return your security deposit?

Request Mediation. If your landlord still doesn't return your security deposit, check with your state or local government about a mediation service or dispute resolution group that can help you. Then, suggest to your landlord that your dispute be mediated by this neutral third party.

Who is responsible for security deposit?

If you're renting a home that's sold, the new owner becomes responsible for your security deposit. The new owner must get your deposit from the previous owner; however, even if the new owner doesn't actually receive this money from the old owner, he's still responsible for refunding the appropriate amount to you.

How long does it take to get a deposit back from a rental?

Once you move out, most states require landlords to refund your deposit within 30 days or provide you with a written notice of why your deposit isn't being returned. If your landlord refuses ...

How to get my security deposit back?

File a Lawsuit. Your final option is taking legal action to get your security deposit back. Since these lawsuits typically go to small claims court, you won't need to hire an attorney. However, if the amount your suing for exceeds the maximum allowable amount for small claims court, you're forced to file a civil suit, which does require an attorney.

What to do if landlord refuses to pay security deposit?

If your landlord is refusing to repay part or all of your security deposit and you think you’re in the right, you may want to start by contacting your landlord. A friendly discussion might help clarify why the landlord felt justified keeping the money, why you think that shouldn’t be the case, and lead to a mutually agreeable conclusion.

What happens if you don't return a security deposit?

Landlords that don’t return a full deposit may have to give you an itemized list of how they’re using the money (e.g., to pay for a cleaning service, repair damages, etc.) or forfeit their right to the security deposit. Generally, you won’t be responsible for normal wear and tear on the property or the appliances.

How long does a landlord have to inspect a property?

Depending on the applicable laws, your landlord may have several weeks to inspect the property and return your security deposit.

Is preventative care easier than emergency care?

As is often the case, preventative care can be easier than fixing an emergency later. Here are a few steps you can take when you move into a new place could help you avoid security deposit issues.

What happens if you leave a house with holes in the walls?

If you leave the home a complete mess with holes in the walls, grime-covered floors, or abandoned belongings, the landlord is in the right to keep at least part of the security deposit to restore the home to its former condition.

What to do if you think you've been wronged?

If you think you’ve been wronged and aren’t receiving as much money back as you should, you can start with a friendly discussion with the landlord. When that doesn’t work, there are legal steps you can take that could help force the repayment of the security deposit.

Who is Louis DeNicola?

Louis DeNicola is a personal finance writer with a passion for sharing advice on credit and how to save money. In addition to being a contributing writer at MMI, you can find his work on Credit Karma, MSN Money, Cheapism, Business Insider, and Daily Finance. Learn more. Visit our blog.

What to do if your landlord won't return your security deposit?

Write a demand letter . If your landlord still won't return your security deposit once you've spoken with him or her, you will want to write what's known as a demand letter to officially request it back. The letter will include things like your move-out date and the amount you're owed.

What to do if you don't get your security deposit back?

If your demand letter does not successfully get your security deposit back, the next step as a tenant is to sue your landlord in small claims court in order to get your money. Because you're not suing for a large amount of money (this is a security deposit, after all), most tenants who go to small claims court over a deposit do not hire a lawyer.

How long does it take to get a security deposit back after moving out?

If your landlord doesn't return your security deposit within 30 days of moving out of your rental (the typical timeline, though it varies by state), the first step you should take is rechecking your lease.