Does a landlord have the right to withhold your security deposit until they rent an apartment out?
Full Question:
Does a landlord have the right to withhold your security deposit until they rent an apartment out?
01/09/2007 |
Category: Landlord Tenant |
State: Massachusetts |
#256
Answer:
A landlord may only deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, certain unpaid real estate tax increases, and damage beyond reasonable wear and tear done to the apartment. You should have received a form at the beginning of the tenancy to fill out describing the condition of the apartment, so this should help you determine whether there was any damage. If you do not think that any of these factors apply to you, you can go to small claims court if the deposit is under $2,000, or contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General for a free mediation service.