Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Hello. I have a question about security deposits. In January 2010, I made plans to move into a friend's home in Pennsylvania. She decided to rent it out and offered the place to me. She has had a whole month to make necessary repairs and clean the place, yet it is still not done. She informed me the home was structurally sound with good insulation and a new roof. I noticed that the home was in need of several cosmetic repairs but since she told me it was structurally sound, and she is a friend, I took what she said in good faith. When moving my belongings in, I realized there were many repairs needed to the home and that it may not be structurally sound. I also had someone who has experience with insulation and the structural attributes of a home and he stated that "it looked like the roof was going to collapse in the kitchen at any given minute." I gave her my security deposit a month in advance because she stated she needed the money. No lease has been signed and I have decided that the home is in need of repairs which she says she cannot afford right now but will in the future. She has not fulfilled her end of the bargain (to have the home clean and ready by February 20, 2010) so I don't think she will follow through with these repairs. Thus, I've decided to not move in. Will I be able to get my security deposit back? How do I go about doing it, legally?

Asked on 2/22/10, 6:24 am

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

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To get your security deposit back:

1) Write her a letter asking for it back with a specific deadline.

2) If the deadline is not met you sue her for in DJ court.

{John}

Answered on 3/01/10, 5:57 am

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