Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania
Security Deposit
I took my landlord to district justice for not returning security deposit. I sued for twice the amount and won the judgement because landlord did not show up for hearing. He appealed the judgement, I refiled at differnt court he appealed that now I have an arbitrary hearing. I never issued a formal letter asking for deposit only spoke to office staff. Will I lose without any written proof of trying? What internet sites can I research to prepare for hearing? I cannot afford a lawyer and this is a matter of principle. I have been trying to get this check since September of last year and was forced to go to justice because I never received anything after many phone calls. I have proof that I gave my forwarding address and all copies of cancelled payments of rent. Any advice would be appreciated.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Security Deposit
It's the landlord's obligation to send you your security deposit OR a list of damages which it was used for within 30 days of you moving out/end of lease. It's not your responsibility to ask. All you have to do is provide forwarding address.
You can research it by looking up the Landlord Tenant act on the internet or go to the Pitt or Duquesne Law library.