Do I need to Return Security Deposit to Tenant who backed out of the Lease
Full Question:
I'm a landlord and I had a tenant that signed a one year lease for a home and gave me a security deposit on November 14. I met with the new tenant today to turn over the keys and he backed out of the lease agreement. He said his current landlord is allowing him to purchase the home. Am I able to keep the security deposit? Can I go after him for lost rent?
11/30/2007 |
Category: Landlord Ten... ยป Security Dep... |
State: Ohio |
#13116
Answer:
5321.12 Recovery of damages.
In any action under Chapter 5321. of the Revised Code, any party may recover damages for the breach of contract or the breach of any duty that is imposed by law.
5321.16 Procedures for security deposits.
(A) Any security deposit in excess of fifty dollars or one month’s periodic rent, whichever is greater, shall bear interest on the excess at the rate of five per cent per annum if the tenant remains in possession of the premises for six months or more, and shall be computed and paid annually by the landlord to the tenant.
(B) Upon termination of the rental agreement any property or money held by the landlord as a security deposit may be applied to the payment of past due rent and to the payment of the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant’s noncompliance with section 5321.05 of the Revised Code or the rental agreement. Any deduction from the security deposit shall be itemized and identified by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. The tenant shall provide the landlord in writing with a forwarding address or new address to which the written notice and amount due from the landlord may be sent. If the tenant fails to provide the landlord with the forwarding or new address as required, the tenant shall not be entitled to damages or attorneys fees under division (C) of this section.
(C) If the landlord fails to comply with division (B) of this section, the tenant may recover the property and money due him, together with damages in an amount equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorneys fees.