How to get rent money back? (lease agreement, security deposit, house, roommates)

[EddieOlSkool]

So I was going to move in to this one house. Never met the landlord. I know, should have been a red flag. I only met two roommates.

So my job ends up relocating me 80 miles away. But this is after I paid my rent and security deposit (I never signed a lease agreement).

I paid my rent by leaving it with one of the roommates. Again, stupid, I know. Anyway, he puts it away for the landlord to come pick it up. Landlord picks it up. Security deposit included.

My question is, how the hell do I get my money back? I never stayed in the house so at the very least my security deposit should be returned. Any ideas how to get out of this messy situation?

[kab0906]

Sounds like an expensive lesson.

You can only ask, but with nothing in writing, including no receipts, you can't prove anything.

[Icemodeled]

My husband and I are landlords. Your only option is to talk to your room mate that you gave the money to. Tell them the situation and just ask for the security deposit back, give them your 30 day notice.. legally theres not much you can do though.

[Electrician4you]

You have what amounts to a verbal month to month lease. You should give 30 day notice ASAP. You would have to pay another month rent and get your deposit back, or forefeit your deposit as last month rent since you never took posession.

[Lacerta]

Agreed, you owe rent for 30 days after you give notice, so you'd be entitled to whatever portion of your deposit doesn't go toward covering rent between the end of the first 30 days you paid for, and the end of the 30 day notice period. You should contact the landlord to give notice and let them know where to send the portion of the deposit you are entitled to.