Can the landlord legally keep my possessions for 10 days rent if she still has my deposit?
Full Question:
Answer:
A landlord has the right to insist that renters pay a security deposit before moving in. The security deposit is used to pay for any damage beyond ordinary wear and tear that the tenant might make to the rental property, or to satisfy any debts between the tenant and landlord. The deposit may not be used by the renter to pay rent.
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord must return the deposit to the renter within two weeks. The landlord is allowed to keep the amount necessary to repair damages or to pay off debts owed to the landlord under the lease. If the landlord fails to return all or part of the security deposit, he or she must give the tenant, within two weeks after the tenancy ends and the tenant has given the landlord a forwarding address, a written explanation as to why money is being withheld.
