Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington
landlord payment
I was going to move into an apartment and the landord was asking for a deposit amount for $750 i told him i didn't have it all and he said that was fine and i gave him a payment for $200 and he then wrote me out a receipt and told me that i can have it and he would hold the apartment for me we verbally agreed that i would make another payment the following week well he called me two days later and told me that he wanted the rest of the money by that afternoon and i said well i can't give it to you until next week like agreed and he said ok well then i'm gonna give the apartment to someone else so i asked for my money back and he said no i'm keeping it for you not moving in. Question is i didn't sign anything with him saying that he could hold the deposit and i do have a reciept from him stating that i paid him $200.00 for a deposit am i entitled back the $200 that i have given him.and if so and i have to take him to court how long do i have to pursue this action.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: landlord payment
You have six years on a written contract, but the better course of action would be within three years.
This is a great case for small claims. Go down to District Court at 96th & Hosmer and fill out a Notice of Small Claim, and tell the court the same thing you said here.
Landlords take advantage of people like this frequently. You are right to stand up for yourself.
The law allows you to ask for twice what you gave him, not just your money back, and ask for simple interest at 12% as well.
The sooner you file, the sooner you will get your money back. If you need more help, you are welcome to contact me.
Elizabeth Powell
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