Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in District of Columbia

Dear Lawguru Team,

I am located in NY but did business with a Landlord in Washington DC. I responded to an adverstisement for room rental of a bed and breakfast (The Inn at Le Droit Park) for my son going to college in DC. He needed housing as there was a possibility he would not get on-campus housing a t a hearby college. We paid a 1 month room deposit ($750) and a security depsoit ($750) totally $1,500 in June 2009 to the Landlord. Signed a contract for 1 month, August 14 to September 14th 2009, in hopes that my would get on-campus housing, and he would not have to rent the room. This was done for security purposes as the college said the process may go beyond the beginning of classes in September. The Landlord was aware of this.

Fortunately, the college called and he received housing on campus and we did not need the room. I immediately call the Landlord the first week of August and informed her that we would not need the room rental becuase my son would be living on-campus.

I am now trying to collect the security deposit of $750 as my son did not move in at all. I forfeited the $750 room rental fee as I thought that it was too late for the Lanlord to rent the space for the month. Even though we did rent the space from Aug 14 to Sept 14, we did not receive a key for the apartment.

How can I legally go about collecting the $750 security deposit. We have exchanged email over the past 6moths and the Lanlord keeps telling me, "they are processing the check", "we haven't forgotten about you", "I thought my husband mailed the check". I have given up trying and I need some legal help.

Am I able to get my security deposit back?

Thanks,

Judy Douglas

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