Hi all,
I recently broke a lease, and the landlord agreed to terminate with no penalty other than keeping that month's already paid rent. In a letter, he stated that the security deposit would be returned in full.
A month later, no check in hand yet, with us moved out, he sent a letter stating that he was not returning any of the security deposit because I broke the lease. Even though I have signed paperwork stating othewise. The amount of the security deposit is in excess of $10k (2 months rent).
I think he's playing a game... I can go to small claims, but then am capped at $5k or I can hire a lawyer (expensive). What are my real options here? I also found a rent security complaint form from the AG office, but not sure how effective that would be. Am I really going to have to get legal representation to get my money back?
Thanks!