Security Deposit Laws in CT

CTresident814 · 08-04-2010, 11:51 AM

I have a kind of unique situation. I lived in a house with 7 roomates (8 of us total). Within the 30 days, we received our security deposits back with an itemized list of damages. The list stated that 2 of the roommates had not paid rent, one month each. This was $1300 total that was taken off the top of all 8 of our deposits, as per the wording of the lease. When my roommates obtained proof of otherwise, bank deposits and such stating that they had, in fact, paid the rent, it took almost a month for the former landlord to even call them back. Now, after he finally contacted one of the tenants, he is claiming that he needs another "1-2 weeks to investigate the matter" and he will only communicate with the tennants who were late. AND that if he finds he is in the wrong, he will only reimburse the tennants whose rents are in question, when he took the money out of every single security deposit to add up to the total missing. There was no interest whatsoever, and we moved out in the end of May and it is well into August now with no end in sight. Help?

trishguard · 08-04-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTresident814

I have a kind of unique situation. I lived in a house with 7 roomates (8 of us total). Within the 30 days, we received our security deposits back with an itemized list of damages. The list stated that 2 of the roommates had not paid rent, one month each. This was $1300 total that was taken off the top of all 8 of our deposits, as per the wording of the lease. When my roommates obtained proof of otherwise, bank deposits and such stating that they had, in fact, paid the rent, it took almost a month for the former landlord to even call them back. Now, after he finally contacted one of the tenants, he is claiming that he needs another "1-2 weeks to investigate the matter" and he will only communicate with the tennants who were late. AND that if he finds he is in the wrong, he will only reimburse the tennants whose rents are in question, when he took the money out of every single security deposit to add up to the total missing. There was no interest whatsoever, and we moved out in the end of May and it is well into August now with no end in sight. Help?

First you have to determine if it's worth the cost. I don't know how much you'll have to pay to get your case in small claims. Start researching that now. Then I think you have to wait until you are harmed. You said the landlord was within his rights to take a portion of money from each tenant. So it follows, if he made a mistake it should be portioned the same. If he returns your money to the other party and you fail to get them to do the right thing (which is give you your share), I imagine you will then have a leg to stand on as far as suing your former landlord.

fbam · 08-04-2010, 04:20 PM

not really on topic but does anyone know the law or where to find out about the law regarding pets in rentals? When I moved in to my apt they told us it wasn't a "pet building". however there are a few people that have dogs and they are not service animals. Also there are signs indicating it is a pet building. "pet owners of building ## please walk your pet behind your building only". My question is am I allowed to get a dog? can they pick and choose who can get one?

JayCT · 08-04-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbam

not really on topic but does anyone know the law or where to find out about the law regarding pets in rentals? When I moved in to my apt they told us it wasn't a "pet building". however there are a few people that have dogs and they are not service animals. Also there are signs indicating it is a pet building. "pet owners of building ## please walk your pet behind your building only". My question is am I allowed to get a dog? can they pick and choose who can get one?

Look at your lease. If it says no pets, then YOU can not have pets. They might allow pets only in certain apartments so that they can rent to people with allergies. Some allergies are so bad that people can't rent a place that has been rented to someone that had a pet before. Jay

fbam · 08-04-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayCT

Look at your lease. If it says no pets, then YOU can not have pets. They might allow pets only in certain apartments so that they can rent to people with allergies. Some allergies are so bad that people can't rent a place that has been rented to someone that had a pet before. Jay

Okay thanks Jay. I will have to take the matter up with the management because the wording is non specific. It says pets will be allowed in pet buildings. I just wanted to know if there were any specific laws regarding that before I spoke with them.

3STRSSN · 08-15-2013, 09:49 AM

Can they cash security deposits? They asked for certified bank checks for the security deposit and pet deposits (paid over $4000 in deposits before the lease started) Last week it was waiting for a water bill and it was only after I told the realtor that RWA mailed the bill, that he said that he just got the bill and that we would receive the breakdown "shortly".
No return of deposit yet, notified them before vacating a month ago and now we are out of state.