Can I get my security deposit back? (sublet, apartment)

[stilldoll]

I signed the contract with my landlord till July,2009, but I moved out of milwaukee in Jan, 09. So I sublet the apartment to an another person.
Now, when I asked my landlord for security deposit, she told me, the person who took my apartment didnt give her the security deposit, so she has to keep my money as security deposit.

I know that guy also signed the contract with her, stated that he took over my apartment.

how can I do now? I am not in milwaukee.

[Nuclear_Art]

Wisconsin is a strong advocate of tenant's rights. Check with the Dept of Consumer Protection:

Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities - Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

[Angorlee]

Here is a site that might help you. http://forum.freeadvice.com/there (broken link) --go to landlord/tenant issues

I used that site when I had an issue with a landlord and found that most people that responded were on the side of the tenant but a few seemed to tilt toward the landlord. Anyway, good luck.

[stilldoll]

Thank you

[broux00]

In general, lessee is responsible for any damage done by a sublessee, unless otherwise stated or noted. If the landlord had gotten a security deposit from the sublessee, I think you would get it back when that occurred. Since you are liable for any damage the subletter does, you should get your security deposit back after the lease is up in July minus any expenses incurred on the landlord's part (fixing any damage or cleaning anything that wasn't cleaned).