Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

I put a $450 security deposit on a house I was going to rent (Rent would have started April 1st 2011). I did not sign a lease as the landlord was going to mail me the lease and the keys. I decided the very next day that I didn't want the house and told the landlord that I was sorry but I had decided not to take the house. He sent me a text that said that was okay and that he would mail me my check soon. This was on a Friday and by Saturday the check I had written him was already cashed. I sent him a text on the following Tuesday asking if he could let me know when he was going to mail me the money back. He simply replied "K". I have not received a check or a text/call from him implying when it would be sent. Since I told him within 24 hours that I didn't want the house and it didn't take away from prospective tenants shouldn't I get my money back? Also during this whole time he has had several ad's up for the house so it's not like he took them down and lost prospective tenants.


Asked on 3/06/11, 2:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Justin Gearty Law Office of Justin C Gearty Jr

It sounds like given the facts here, you should be entitled to a return of the security deposit, assuming there was no agreement that you loose it if you cancel. If he continues to give you problems with the return of the deposit, you may want to retain a lawyer to have a demand letter written.

If you have any further questions, feel free to let me know.

DISCLAIMER: This post is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Read more
Answered on 3/06/11, 2:49 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Pennsylvania