Getting my security deposit back? (apartment, rent, tenant)

[crazichris]

I was in an apartment for two years and during the first year the ownership of the building switched hands. The new owner ran the mechanic's garage on the first floor of the building so we sent all of our communication directly to the business.

My roommates and I moved out at the end of the second year and expected to get back our security deposit. We went back to the building to give our landlord our new address to send the security deposit and he was gone. There was a sign on the building saying it was closed. We spoke to the original landlord and he told us that he was pretty sure that this guy left the country permanently.

Is there anyway that we are going to get our deposit back?

[EEEPNJ]

Sorry to hear about this. When I was renting I encountered problems and I found the only fulproof way - I lived out my security deposit. I would say on March 1st, "Hello, here is 1/2 months rent for March, I am moving out on May 1st... use my security deposit." Some owners didn't care, some flipped. I would say "Sorry, have no money - you'll have to do it."

I did that after moving into 1 apartment and fixing it SO much with my dime... literally spent about $2k on it, then the SOB fought me on my security for 6 mos before he gave me 1/2 of it back.

Next apartment, I moved out and had to leave behind 2 new a/c units that I bought because the biyatch of a landlady insisted they were hers (they were not) and was holding my security hostage.

Now I know I'll get "that's wrong" that's this and that... yeah, and after being screwed over 2x and seeing numerous people I know do the same thing... I learned.

ONE landlord didn't really mind, but he was like "Well, you're really not supposed to do that." I said "And you are really supposed to put my $ in a bank and show me monthly statement and pay me back with interest... did you do any of that?" Nuf said.

In your case, if the guy is not in the country - you're screwed.

[joe moving]

The landlord was supposed to give you info on the bank account where your $ was sitting.

[CA Drew]

If the landlord is MIA, who's collecting the rent for the unit now?

[Obrero]

Originally Posted by crazichris

I was in an apartment for two years and during the first year the ownership of the building switched hands. The new owner ran the mechanic's garage on the first floor of the building so we sent all of our communication directly to the business.

My roommates and I moved out at the end of the second year and expected to get back our security deposit. We went back to the building to give our landlord our new address to send the security deposit and he was gone. There was a sign on the building saying it was closed. We spoke to the original landlord and he told us that he was pretty sure that this guy left the country permanently.

Is there anyway that we are going to get our deposit back?

You are never going to see your security deposit again.

[Calico696]

Originally Posted by UKOK

You are never going to see your security deposit again.

Unfortunately, I agree with UKOK.

[Calico696]

Originally Posted by joe moving

The landlord was supposed to give you info on the bank account where your $ was sitting.

This is correct. The landlord is supposed to deposit the security money into an interest bearing account in both yours and his/hers or company's name. You should receive yearly 1099 tax forms from the banking institution stating the amount of interest earned on the account.

[Truth NJ]

Wow cut your losses chalk it up to experience

[MaverickDD]

Originally Posted by crazichris

I was in an apartment for two years and during the first year the ownership of the building switched hands. The new owner ran the mechanic's garage on the first floor of the building so we sent all of our communication directly to the business. My roommates and I moved out at the end of the second year and expected to get back our security deposit. We went back to the building to give our landlord our new address to send the security deposit and he was gone. There was a sign on the building saying it was closed. We spoke to the original landlord and he told us that he was pretty sure that this guy left the country permanently. Is there anyway that we are going to get our deposit back?

Assuming you did everything that you were required to, like given adequate notice that you were terminating your tenancy and leaving the property undamaged and in "broom-clean" condition, you should be able to get your money back.

First, find out who the legal owner is. What is the address of record according to the tax assessor? Send certified mail to the owner of record demanding the return of your security.

Immediately file suit in small claims court against the owner of record. If they don't show up, (out of the country or whatever,) you'll win a judgment. Then, the building can't be sold until the judgment is satisfied (meaning that you get paid).

New Jersey laws are very pro-tenant in these matters. Be diligent and you'll get your money back... unless of course, the landlord has a legitimate legal reason for denying you the money.