Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Idaho

Rental Deposit

''E'',fiance,&4-year-old dghtr moved from WI to Coeur d'Alene 3 days ago.While in WI, E found a duplex she thought she wanted to rent in Cd'A.E talked to owner on phone, asked questions about dplx & nhbrhd,&sent deposit-$595.Owner told E he would give her money back if after she got to Cd'A she decided she did not want to rent the dplx.E looked at dplx Sun.&found it in horrible condition. Some obvious problems-broken window,brkn showerhead,brkn heater,brkn stove burner,peeling linoleum-bath.&ktchn,dirty carpet,holes in walls,walls dirty-need paint,all closet doors brkn.E discussed problems with owner-he did not want to fix anything-even brkn window.E informed owner she would not be renting the dplx & wanted deposit back.Owner said he was going to pro-rate rent & deduct from deposit.E wrote a letter&faxed it to him asking for full deposit.He responded he will not give it to E until he rents dplx.E told him she would take him to small claims court-owner said ''see you there''.He seems to be a real slimeball slumlord.E is in dire straights, financially,& NEEDS this money for another apt.She has all belongings in a rental truck which was due to be returned today.What can she do?Please help. E's mom.


Asked on 12/04/02, 11:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gass Timothy Gass Law Office

Re: Rental Deposit

She needs to hire an attorney to sue him in regular court, b/c if in regular court, she can get her costs and attorney's fees paid by the landlord. I'd also call the BBB. Legal Aid will sometimes take these type of cases for free if she calls them. Nothing is going to happen very quickly tho. Good Luck

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Answered on 12/05/02, 11:25 am


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