Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
What can I do if my sublessor is not willing to return my security deposit and I DO NOT HAVE HIS CURRENT ADDRESS?
I spent a couple of months in Boston as a visiting scholar and rented subletted a small apartment.
My sublessor is not willing to return my security deposit of $400. He did not not specify any reasons. By is own words, he cannot return the deposit because he spent it on something else.
After waiting two months, I lost patience and I sent him a DEMAND LETTER However, the address he provided on the sublet agreement appears to be invalid. I have sent the letter via registered mail, but it did not arrive. I also tried to call him a couple of times, but he always says the he will transfer the money on the next day, which does not happen.
I still have this following things:
- Rental agreement
- Keys to the place
- Address of the original landlord
- Valid cellphone number
- Name (his real name, I checked with the original landlord)
- Friends who visited me at the place and could act as whitnesses
- Transfer voucher of the security deposit (from my account to his account, both Bank of America)
What can I do in this case? To which institution can I turn to?
Kind Regards
2 Answers from Attorneys
A lawsuit will be necessary. An attorney may be able to assist you in locating this person.