Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia
Refund of Deposit
I gave a $800. security deposit and signed a lease for the rental of a house on 8/29. I recvd no keys. They were to be given on 9/1 with payment of 1st months rent. On 8/30 I informed the landlord I would not be moving in. There is nothing in the lease agreement that states the landlord can keep this money, and the money was indicated on the lease as being a security deposit. I offered the landlord a $300. inconvenience fee; however he insist on keeping all of the money. Do I have any legal recourse.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Refund of Deposit
Given that the landlord may be able to sue you for a lot more than the deposit (loss of rent, advertising for new tenant, etc.), the security deposit may be a fair settlement for your apparent breach of the contract you signed. This issue is not his "inconvenience." It is about signing a contract and honoring the obligations, or facing the consequences.