Question: I just moved from another state and my old lanlord has not paid me back my deposit yet. I spoke to hime 2 months ago and he said he would send me my deposit in the mail; I still havent received it and he won't answer or return my call. What am I able to do now that I'm in another state?
Answer: Under Arizona law, your landlord has 14 days after you deliver possession of the premises and make demand to do one of two things:
- 1) return your security deposit in full; or
- 2) deliver to you an itemized written notice of the damages or unpaid rent to which the deposit has been applied, along with any remaining amount of the security deposit. [See, ARS 33-1321(D) ]
If a landlord does not comply with is obligations regarding returning a security deposit, "...the tenant may recover the property and money due the tenant together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld." [See, ARS 33-1321(E) ].
You may want to research the laws of the state where you used to live to see what the landlord/tenant rules are in effect in that state.
June 05, 2008
Legal Services Corporation