CALL US NOW TO GET STARTED | 216.262.8776
WHAT WE DO.
We take action to get back your security deposit.
We are a law firm that takes action to get back your wrongfully withheld security deposit from your landlord. Here's how we do it:
- First, we consider your state statute and how it applies to the facts, information, and documentation you have provided.
- Second, when we decide that your case is ready to pursue, we draft and send a demand letter to your former landlord demanding the return of your security deposit and payment of any attorney's fees.
- Third, should your former landlord fail to respond, or you tell us to reject the settlement offer, we file your case to be heard in a court of competent jurisdiction.
- Fourth, litigation can come to a conclusion either by settlement or trial, with you making the decision whether or not to continue.
- Fifth, should we get a court judgment rendered in your favor, we pursue action on that judgment for you.
We are the only law firm in Ohio dedicated to pursuing Security Deposits for residential tenants. We are able to provide you with legal options to meet your goals and exceed your expectations. Questions? Let's get started...
Know Your Rights...
WHEN YOU MOVE IN
WHAT YOUR LANDLORD CAN DEDUCT
WHEN YOU MOVE OUT
Move-in day is a busy time and in addition to planning your apartment's layout, you should also be planning on how to maximize the return on your security deposit. It may not be what you think about right off the bat when you are starting your tenancy, but it should be.
You should do several things to avoid disputes over the security deposit later on:
- Before you move in, request an inspection of the premises.
- Identify all damage spots, including dirt, mildew, wear and tear with a written checklist.
- You and your Landlord should fill out the list together, but if s/he cannot be there, bring someone as a witness.
- Be specific! If there is mildew on the kitchen wall behind the sink, write that, rather than saying there is mildew in the kitchen.
- Both your signature and your Landlord's should appear on the document and request copies to save to your computer.
- Take pictures and videos. Save and send the Landlord copies of both.
The more detailed you are with the above items, the less chance that you will be held responsible for these items when you end your tenancy. Use this opportunity to acquaint yourself with the space and your future landlord.
WHEN YOU MOVE OUT
WHAT YOUR LANDLORD CAN DEDUCT
WHEN YOU MOVE OUT
When you are ready to terminate your tenancy, you will want your security deposit back as soon as possible. Your landlord has an obligation to comply with the laws of the state you rent in, but MOST LANDLORDS DO NOT KNOW THE LAW FOR RETURNING SECURITY DEPOSITS. I am going to repeat this because it is to your advantage...MOST LANDLORDS DO NOT KNOW THE LAW FOR RETURNING SECURITY DEPOSITS.
The best methods to get your security deposit money back after your tenancy include:
- Follow the terms of your Lease.
- If you have a 60-day notice provision prior to termination, then notify the landlord of your intent to terminate the lease before the 60 day period.
- If you have a month-to-month tenancy, give your landlord 30 days' advance notice of your termination.
- Any termination should be in writing, either via email or certification of mailing.d. If you need to terminate before the end of the lease term, see if your lease allows assignment or subletting and get permission from your landlord in writing.
- Schedule a final walk-through with the Landlord and bring your move-in checklist, pictures, and videos.
- Look at what the lease requires in terms of cleanliness upon move-out. Most leases require "broom swept clean" - meaning clean but not spotless.
- Fix obvious damage - remove garbage, food, repair holes in drywall, etc.
- Give the landlord your forwarding address.
The timeline for the return of your security deposit varies from state to state, click here to find the legal timeline for the return of your security deposit for your state.
WHAT YOUR LANDLORD CAN DEDUCT
WHAT YOUR LANDLORD CAN DEDUCT
WHAT YOUR LANDLORD CAN DEDUCT
Each state has its own laws on how a landlord may use your security deposit, and what a landlord may deduct from your deposit.
Most states allow a landlord to use your security deposit to cover damage to the unit that occurred during your tenancy or to put toward unpaid rents or utilities. Damages are items that rise above normal wear and tear during your tenancy. Ordinary wear and tear can be understood as follows:
Ordinary Wear and Tear; Landlord's Responsibility v. Damage or Filth: Tenant's Responsibility:
- Curtains faded by the sun v. Cigarette burns in curtains
- Minor marks on or nicks in the wall v. Large marks on or holes in the wall
- Door hinges showing rust spots v. Door off its hinges
- Moderate dirt or spotting on carpet v. Rips in carpet or urine stains from pets
- A few small nail holes in wall v. Lots of picture holes or gouges in walls
- Faded bedroom wall paint v. Wall water damage from hanging plants.
- Dark patches of ingrained soil on hardwood floors that have lost their finish and have been worn down to bare wood v. Water stains on wood floors and windowsills caused by windows left open during rainstorms
- Stains on old porcelain fixtures that have lost their protective coating v. Grime-coated bathtub and toilet
- Moderately dirty mini-blinds v. Missing mini-blinds
- Bathroom mirror beginning to "de-silver" (black spots) v. Mirrors caked with hairspray
- A clothes dryer that delivers cold air because the thermostat has given out v. Dryer that won't turn at all because it's been misused
- A toilet flushes inadequately because mineral deposits have clogged the jets v. Toilet won't flush properly because it's stopped up with a diaper