Trying to get my security deposit back (Birmingham, Pelham: rent, lawyer)

[Fishers11]

Hello,

We lived in Pelham for almost 3 years and we rented a house while we were there. We moved at the end of October due to my husbands military orders. We did everything correctly during move out and gave plenty of notice etc. According to AL law our landlord had 35 days to return our deposit or send an itemized accounting and they did neither. I sent them a letter demanding our deposit within 7 days or we would seek legal action and he pretty much thought it was a joke. He threatened to sue us which is funny since they didn't do what they needed to do as landlords. I spoke to him on the phone and explained AL law and again he thinks the law doesn't apply to him. He called me a bit** and said I was cold hearted person all because we're trying to get back our money that is rightfully ours.

Finally, on day 74 we received part of our deposit. But, he still withheld money even though he lawfully can not. I wasn't going to after double the amount of our deposit but now I want to since I'm sick of them thinking they are better than the law.

Can anyone recommend a lawyer near the area who could help us out? We are currently in CA and going back to AL is not an option.

I'd also like to make others away to NOT rent from these people as they own I believe 1-3 other properties in the area.

Thank You,
Michelle

[harry chickpea]

Start here:

Birmingham Association of REALTORS®
3501 Independence Dr
Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205) 871-1911

Register a complaint by phone, follow up with snail mail. If the person is "in business" as a landlord, they may have some clout. They might also guide you on what to do as an individual. (I suspect it would involve filing a complaint with the police for theft as a starter. You want to tweak both civil and criminal processes.)

Stiffing a military family doesn't go over well around here.

[Fishers11]

*aware

Thank you for that information.

I will call them tomorrow.

[jakabedy]

Check with your JAG office on base/post. They may be able to provide an assist . . . on some really awesome-looking letterhead.

[cpg35223]

Or the Better Business Bureau. They're kind of a last gasp, however.

[Fishers11]

Originally Posted by jakabedy

Check with your JAG office on base/post. They may be able to provide an assist . . . on some really awesome-looking letterhead.

I forgot about base legal.

After being in AL for nearly 3 years with no base or anything I've forgotten what all is here.

[happybuddha]

Originally Posted by Fishers11

Hello,

We lived in Pelham for almost 3 years and we rented a house while we were there. We moved at the end of October due to my husbands military orders. We did everything correctly during move out and gave plenty of notice etc. According to AL law our landlord had 35 days to return our deposit or send an itemized accounting and they did neither. I sent them a letter demanding our deposit within 7 days or we would seek legal action and he pretty much thought it was a joke. He threatened to sue us which is funny since they didn't do what they needed to do as landlords. I spoke to him on the phone and explained AL law and again he thinks the law doesn't apply to him. He called me a bit** and said I was cold hearted person all because we're trying to get back our money that is rightfully ours.

Finally, on day 74 we received part of our deposit. But, he still withheld money even though he lawfully can not. I wasn't going to after double the amount of our deposit but now I want to since I'm sick of them thinking they are better than the law.

Can anyone recommend a lawyer near the area who could help us out? We are currently in CA and going back to AL is not an option.

I'd also like to make others away to NOT rent from these people as they own I believe 1-3 other properties in the area.

Thank You,
Michelle

So, it would help to let others know who these people are ?

[Fishers11]

Originally Posted by happybuddha

So, it would help to let others know who these people are ?

Sorry, I thought I posted that a few days ago.

Ross and Jeri Robinson.