Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Intentional theft of security deposit

I've been living with an ex-boyfriend for a year. We are both on the lease, and have only 3 months left. He agreed to leave if I gave him the $700 for the security deposit he originally gave to the leasing office. He said once the check cleared, he would send the leasing office a letter stating that security deposit should be returned to me. It's been almost a month and he refuses to send the leasing office the letter, and they still have in their file that the deposit is to returned to him. I have a copy of the cancelled check with the words ''security deposit'' written in under reason, but no letter. What can I do to get my money back? Is this criminal or civil?


Asked on 10/31/02, 9:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Intentional theft of security deposit

This is a civil matter between you and your ex-boyfriend, not criminal. You may have to take him to small claims court in order to get your money back. Perhaps if he sees that you're serious about this, he'll sign the letter assigning the security deposit to you. If not, the small claims court can order him to return the $700 you gave him and he can hope that you don't leave the apartment in such condition upon your departure that the management company retains some or all of the deposit.

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Answered on 10/31/02, 11:52 am


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